Paraffin: Description, Properties, and Uses

What is Paraffin?

Paraffin stands as a common name for a group of saturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum or coal. Commercial paraffin usually refers to paraffin wax, a white or colorless soft solid often used in candles, coatings, and sealants. Chemically identified by the formula CnH2n+2, paraffin can contain a mix of straight-chain and branched alkanes. These hydrocarbons create a product with unique properties that stretch across various industries, from food preservation to industrial manufacturing.

Chemical Structure and Molecular Formula

The backbone of paraffin consists of long carbon chains fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. In its most recognizable form, paraffin wax generally presents the empirical formula C20-40H42-82, indicating numerous variations depending on the source and grade. All molecules within this family share nonpolar characteristics, making paraffin insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. The uniform chain structure produces a stable material with predictable melting and solidification behavior.

Physical Characteristics: Forms and Appearance

Paraffin appears in a variety of forms—flakes, solid blocks, powders, granules, pearls, and even liquid or crystalline forms depending on processing and purity. In its solid state, paraffin wax feels smooth to the touch with a slightly greasy surface. It rarely emits any distinguishable odor. Density falls between 0.82 to 0.95 g/cm³, allowing it to float on water and lend itself to lightweight applications. The melting point typically ranges from 46°C to 68°C, creating a flexible window for both cold and warm-temperature uses. As a liquid, paraffin maintains a low viscosity and remains nonreactive under standard conditions.

Product Specifications and HS Code

Buyers and users rely on detailed specifications for paraffin, including melting point, oil content, color, and degree of refinement. Key quality metrics cover congealing point and specific gravity. The internationally recognized HS Code for paraffin wax is 2712.20.00, classifying it under mineral and hydrocarbon waxes. Manufacturers often tailor product specs for end-use, ranging from highly refined grades for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to technical grades suitable for packaging, rubber compounding, and industrial lubricants. Knowledge of these specifics ensures the material suits safe handling and production requirements in different sectors.

Chemical Properties and Safety Information

Paraffin remains chemically stable under typical storage conditions. It resists acids and alkalis, showing little to no reactivity with most substances. In my own experience working with wax and sealing compounds, I’ve found paraffin to be a reliable, predictable base, rarely causing reactions with packaging or other ingredients. That said, users should handle molten paraffin with care to avoid thermal burns. Although paraffin does not pose acute toxicity risks, inhaling fumes from overheated or decomposing material may irritate the respiratory system. The product generally scores low on hazardous material scales but storing away from ignition sources remains important due to its flammability. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and European Chemicals Agency treat paraffin as a low-risk chemical, provided ventilation and temperature controls are in place.

Common Applications and Raw Material Source

Paraffin acts as an unsung hero behind the scenes in many fields. Candle-making springs to mind first—paraffin serves as the prime raw material for molded and poured candles, producing clean, steady flames. In food-grade forms, it lines cheese rinds, offers a moisture barrier for fruits, and even lubricates food processing machinery. Pharmaceutical uses draw on paraffin’s inert, non-allergenic nature—ointments, creams, and polishes utilize the wax as a stable base. Paper and cardboard manufacturers often opt for paraffin coatings to add water resistance and surface shine. It crops up in rubber, textiles, adhesives, and electrical insulation, lowering friction and shielding delicate components from external moisture.

Potential Hazards and Safe Handling Guidance

Most exposure to paraffin raises no health alarms, but chronic exposure to heated fumes can impact lung health. Factory workers and inspectors should look out for proper exhaust systems, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Paraffin dust, rarely generated outside of powder manufacturing, may also pose a combustible dust hazard, so cleaning up spills and storing containers in dry, cool environments reduces overall risk. Most important—users should never heat paraffin wax above its smoke point, as decomposition generates toxic acrolein along with a fire risk. Eye protection and gloves prevent accidental burns as material moves from solid to liquid states.

Improving Industry Use and Environmental Impact

As we weigh chemical safety and environmental impacts, paraffin presents areas ripe for improvement. Derived largely from nonrenewable petroleum, the push towards plant-based, biodegradable alternatives grows every year. Companies investing in recycling and recovery processes offset some consumption, but research into less polluting sources will shape future trends. While paraffin-based products break down slowly, they do not leach toxins into soil or water, minimizing long-term damage. As someone who has worked with both petroleum- and soy-based waxes, I see room for blending these approaches—balancing performance, cost, and environmental responsibility without sacrificing reliability or safety.