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Applications

Paraffin wax has widespread applications, notably in candle making, cosmetics and skincare for its emollient properties, and as a heat therapy for joint and muscle pain. It also functions as a waterproofing agent for paper and wood, a lubricant in textiles and snow sports, and a preservative in some foods.

Description

Paraffin is a name that is commonly used to denote a group of saturated alkane hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, where "n" is greater than 20. They take both solid and liquid forms. The solid form known as paraffin wax was discovered by Karl Reichenbach in 1830. Paraffins are mostly obtained from petroleum. Paraffin oil, used as a fuel, is also known as kerosene.