Paraffin Wax has a wide range of applications and paraffin wax is used in many industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, industry, agriculture and chemistry. The following is the main role of paraffin:
1. Cosmetics and personal care products
Moisturizing effect: Paraffin is mainly used as a moisturizing agent in cosmetics, which can form a protective film on the skin surface to prevent water evaporation and keep the skin moist.
Skin protection: Paraffin is often used as a base ingredient in skin creams, lip balms and lotions to soothe and protect the skin. It relieves dry and cracked skin and helps it heal.
Candles and soaps: Paraffin wax is often used in the manufacture of candles, soaps and other consumer goods, providing good hardness and appearance.
2. Food industry
Food packaging: Paraffin wax is used for food packaging materials, which can provide moisture and corrosion protection. It is often applied to the surface of fruits, vegetables and certain candies to extend the shelf life.
Food coating: Food grade paraffin wax (such as E905) is used to coat fruit, candy, cheese, etc., which has a protective effect and helps keep food fresh.
3. Pharmaceutical industry
Pharmaceutical preparations: Paraffin wax is used as the basic ingredient of pharmaceutical preparations in pharmaceuticals, and is often used to make ointments and external ointments. It contributes to drug stability and adhesion of topical drugs.
Capsule coating: Paraffin wax can be used to coat drug capsules to help delay drug release, or to avoid drug breakdown in the stomach too quickly.
4. Industrial use
Lubricant: Paraffin wax is used as a lubricant in metal processing, plastics industry, textile industry and other fields to reduce friction and extend the service life of equipment.
Waterproof and moisture-proof: Paraffin wax is often used for waterproof and moisture-proof treatment of wood, paper and other materials to increase its durability.
Sealant: Paraffin can be used to seal various products and prevent liquid or gas leakage, especially in food packaging and chemical containers.
Rubber industry: Paraffin is used as a vulcanization accelerator in the rubber industry, which can improve the wear resistance and elasticity of rubber.
5. Agricultural use
Fruit protection: The coating of paraffin on the surface of the fruit can extend the shelf life, reduce water evaporation and microbial growth, and maintain the freshness and appearance of the fruit.
Crop protection: Paraffin wax can be used in certain pesticide preparations as an adhesive and covering layer to help evenly apply pesticides and improve their effectiveness.
6. Paraffin candle making
Candle production: Paraffin wax is one of the most commonly used candle raw materials. It is easy to form, clean when burning, smoke-free, and relatively inexpensive, and is widely used in the production of various types of candles.
7. Anti-corrosion and maintenance
Wood and leather protection: Paraffin wax can be used for wood, leather and other surfaces for anti-corrosion treatment, extending the service life of the material. For example, paraffin wax is used in leather protectants to prevent cracking and fading.
Anti-rust agent: Paraffin wax is used to form a protective film on the metal surface to prevent metal oxidation and rust.
8. Chemical synthesis and catalysts
Chemical synthesis: Paraffin, as a solvent and medium, participates in the synthetic process in some chemical reactions.
Catalysis: In some catalyst formulations, paraffin can be used as an excipient to help catalyze the reaction.
9. Optical materials and wax film
Optical coating: Paraffin wax can be used to coat optical materials, providing a smooth surface, reducing reflection and improving transparency.
Wax film: Paraffin wax can be used to create wax film, which is commonly used for art creation, model making, etc.
Sum up
Paraffin is a versatile material, because of its low cost, chemical stability, non-toxicity and a variety of excellent physical properties, widely used in a variety of industries, covering from daily consumer goods to industrial manufacturing, agricultural protection and other fields.