Paraffin wax was first produced commercially in 1867
less than 10 years after the first petroleum well was drilled. Paraffin wax, colorless or white, somewhat transparent, wax consisting of a mixture of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons ranging in melting point from 58° to 68° C. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum by de waxing light lubricating oil stocks. It is used in candles, wax paper, polishes, cosmetics, and electrical insulators. It assists in extracting perfumes from flowers, forms a base for medical ointments, and supplies a waterproof coating for wood. In wood and paper matches, it helps to ignite the matchstick by supplying an easily vaporized hydrocarbon fuel.
Paraffin wax precipitates readily from petroleum on chilling
Technical progress has served only to make the separations and filtration more efficient and economical. Purification methods consist of chemical treatment, de colorization by adsorbents, and fractionation of the separated waxes into grades by distillation, recrystallization, or both. Crude oils differ widely in wax content.
Snow-white and harder than petroleum paraffin wax
the synthetic product has a unique character and high purity that make it a suitable replacement for certain vegetable waxes and as a modifier for petroleum waxes and for some plastics, such as polyethylene. Synthetic paraffin waxes may be oxidized to yield yellow, hard waxes of high molecular weight., such as borax, sodium hydroxide, triet4hanolamine, and morphine. These wax dispersions serve as heavy-duty floor wax, as waterproofing for textiles and paper, as tanning agents for leather, as metal-drawing lubricants, as rust preventives, and for masonry and concrete treatment.
Paraffin wax has an interesting and evolving history, starting with its discovery and use in the 19th century and extending into its widespread use in modern products. Here’s an overview of its history:
Early Discovery and Development
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1830s: The history of paraffin wax begins in the 19th century. The first discovery of paraffin wax is credited to the German chemist Karl von Reichenbach in 1830. He was researching substances produced during the distillation of oil and found a waxy substance which he called “paraffin.” The name comes from the Latin words “parum” (meaning “little”) and “affinis” (meaning “reactivity”), signifying the substance’s lack of reactivity.
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1840s: In the 1840s, J. H. L. Schönbein, a German chemist, further studied paraffin wax and its properties. It was identified as a hydrocarbon, composed mainly of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes), which made it an excellent material for a variety of uses.
Rise of Commercial Use
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1850s: Paraffin wax began to be used commercially as a fuel for lamps, especially in Europe and the United States, due to its clean burning properties and ability to produce less soot compared to other oils and fats used in lamps at the time.
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1860s: The industrial production of paraffin wax began in earnest after oil distillation techniques improved. Wax extracted from kerosene oil production became widely available. This made paraffin wax more affordable and helped it become a mainstream product in various industries.
Widespread Applications
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Late 19th Century: With its increased availability, paraffin wax found applications in the creation of candles. Before paraffin wax, candles were made from animal fats or beeswax, but these were often less efficient and more expensive. Paraffin wax provided a cheaper and cleaner alternative, making candles more accessible to the general public.
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20th Century: The applications of paraffin wax continued to grow. It became important in the food industry (as a coating for cheeses and fruits) and in the cosmetics industry (for making lip balms, lotions, and skin treatments). It was also used for sealing and preserving foods, for coating paper products, and in the manufacturing of various packaging materials.
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Late 20th Century to Present: Paraffin wax has continued to be used for various applications, especially in the candle-making industry, as well as for cosmetics and as a lubricant. However, as environmental and sustainability concerns have increased, there has been a shift towards finding alternative materials that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum.
Modern Use and Sustainability
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Environmental Concerns: Since paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining, concerns about its environmental impact have grown. This has led to the exploration of alternatives like soy wax, beeswax, and palm wax, which are more sustainable and renewable.
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Current Market: Despite these concerns, paraffin wax remains widely used in industries such as candle making, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals (for coatings and treatments), and packaging. Its ease of use, relatively low cost, and favorable properties ensure its ongoing use in various applications.
In summary, paraffin wax has a history that spans nearly two centuries, from its initial discovery in the 1830s to its widespread use today. While it has been an essential material in several industries, its origins in petroleum and the growing demand for more sustainable products have led to increasing interest in alternatives in recent years.
