Paraffin Waxes in solid state are usually white, translucent,
tasteless, and odorless. They are hard, relatively brittle,
and have a slightly dry feel. In a molten state, paraffin
waxes are clear, colorless liquids of low viscosity. When
melted, these waxes increase in volume by about 5-8%, resulting
in a decrease in density.
Melting points for paraffin waxes have a range of 125 °F
to 165 °F and may be classified into three general
grades:
Low Melting: 125 °F to 135 °F
Mid Melting: 135 °F to 145 °F
High Melting: 150 °F to 165 °F
Oil Contents are 0.5% or less for Fully Refined Paraffin
Waxes. Specific gravities range from about 0.880 to 0.915
at room temperature.
Paraffin waxes are very stable. They do not chemically
react with either concentrated alkalines or acids. The
stable property of paraffin gave it the Latin name "parum" meaning
too little, and "affinis" meaning akin. The translation; "too
little relation to other substrates", is an allusion
to its chemical inactivity. This inactivity is somewhat
temperature dependant since paraffin will react at high
temperatures with either oxidizing or halogenating agents.
This reaction produces either fatty acids and hydroxy acids
or halogen substitution products, respectively.
Although paraffin has many useful characteristics, most
commercial applications are based on its resistance to
water and vapor and its glossy appearance when polished.
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