Well,
Paraffin is another term for a huge variety of hydrocarbons. Google is once
more your friend! Below is lifted and copied from good old Wicapedia.
Make a donation to Wikipedia and give the gift of knowledge!Paraffin
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For the fuel, see Kerosene. For other uses, see Paraffin (disambiguation).
In chemistry, paraffin is the common name for the alkane hydrocarbons with the
general formula CnH2n+2. Paraffin wax refers to the solids with 20 ? n ? 40 .
The simplest paraffin molecule is that of methane, CH4, a gas at room
temperature. Heavier members of the series, such as that of octane C8H18,
appear as liquids at room temperature. The solid forms of paraffin, called
paraffin wax, are from the heaviest molecules from C20H42 to C40H82. Paraffin
wax was identified by Carl Reichenbach in 1830.[1]
Paraffin, or paraffin hydrocarbon, is also the technical name for an alkane in
general, but in most cases it refers specifically to a linear, or normal alkane
- whereas branched, or isoalkanes are also called isoparaffins. It is distinct
from the fuel known in Ireland, Britain and South Africa as paraffin oil or
just paraffin, which is called kerosene in most of the U.S., Australia and New
Zealand.
The name is derived from the Latin parum (= barely) + affinis with the meaning
here of "lacking affinity", or "lacking reactivity". This is because alkanes,
being non-polar and lacking in functional groups, are very unreactive.
Contents
[hide]
a.. 1 Wax
b.. 2 Mineral oil
c.. 3 Uses
a.. 3.1 Gaseous
b.. 3.2 Liquids
c.. 3.3 Paraffin wax
d.. 4 References
e.. 5 See also
[edit] Wax
Paraffin wax (or simply "paraffin", but see alternative name for kerosene,
above) is mostly found as a white, odorless, tasteless, waxy solid, with a
typical melting point between about 47 °C to 64 °C ( 116.6°F to 147.2°F), and
having a density of around 0.9 g/cm3.[2] It is insoluble in water, but soluble
in ether, benzene, and certain esters. Paraffin is unaffected by most common
chemical reagents, but burns readily.
Pure paraffin wax is an excellent electrical insulator, with an electrical
resistivity of between 1013 and 1017 ohm metre.[3] This is better than nearly
all other materials except some plastics (notably teflon). It is an effective
neutron moderator and was used in James Chadwick's 1932 experiments to identify
the neutron.[4][5]
Paraffin wax (C25H52) is an excellent material to store heat, having a specific
heat capacity of 2.14-2.9 J g-1 K-1 (joule per gram per kelvin) and a heat of
fusion of 200-220 J g-1.[6] This property is exploited in modified drywall for
home building material: it is infused in the drywall during manufacture so
that, when installed, it melts during the day, absorbing heat, and solidifies
again at night, releasing the heat.[7] Paraffin wax phase change cooling
coupled with retractable radiators was used to cool the electronics of the
Lunar Rover.[8] Wax expands considerably when it melts and this allows its use
in thermostats for industrial, domestic and, particularly, automobile
purposes.[9][10]
In industrial applications, it is often useful to modify the crystal properties
of the paraffin wax, typically by adding branching to the existing carbon
backbone chain. The modification is usually done with additives, such as EVA
copolymers, microcrystalline wax, or forms of polyethylene. The branched
properties result in a modified paraffin with a higher viscosity, smaller
crystalline structure, and modified functional properties. Pure paraffin wax is
rarely used for carving original models for casting metal and other materials
in the lost wax process, as it is relatively brittle at room temperature and
presents the risks of chipping and breakage when worked. Soft and pliable
waxes, like beeswax, may be preferred for such sculpture, but "investment
casting waxes," often paraffin-based, are expressly formulated for the purpose.
Paraffin wax is one of several acceptable candle waxes used in the Jewish
menorah ritual.
[edit] Mineral oil
Main article: Mineral oil
Liquid paraffin, or mineral oil, is a mixture of heavier alkanes, and has a
number of names, including nujol, adepsine oil, alboline, glymol, medicinal
paraffin, saxol, or USP mineral oil. It has a density of around 0.8 g/cm3.[2]
Liquid paraffin (medicinal) is used to aid bowel movement in persons suffering
chronic constipation; it passes through the gastrointestinal tract without
itself being taken into the body, but it limits the amount of water removed
from the stool. In the food industry, where it may be called "wax", it can be
used as a lubricant in mechanical mixing, applied to baking tins to ensure that
loaves are easily released when cooked and as a coating for fruit or other
items requiring a "shiny" appearance for sale.[11] It is often used in infrared
spectroscopy, as it has a relatively uncomplicated IR spectrum. When the sample
to be tested is made into a mull (a very thick paste), liquid paraffin is added
so it can be spread on the transparent (to infrared) mounting plates to be
tested.
[edit] Uses
[edit] Gaseous
a.. Fuels
[edit] Liquids
a.. Fuels
b.. Paints, Pigments, Dyes and Inks
c.. Wax
d.. Medicine (Laxative)
e.. Biomedical science (evaporation control during PCR)
f.. Culinary
g.. Fire breathing and fire juggling
h.. Used in toiletries and cosmetics as a moisturiser or emollient.
[edit] Paraffin wax
a.. Candle-making
b.. Coatings for waxed paper or cloth
c.. Food-grade paraffin wax:
a.. Shiny coating used in candy-making; although edible, it is
nondigestible, passing right through the body without being broken down
b.. Coating for many kinds of hard cheese, like Edam cheese
c.. Sealant for jars, cans, and bottles
d.. Chewing gum additive
d.. Investment casting
e.. Anti-caking agent, moisture repellent, and dustbinding coatings for
fertilizers
f.. Agent for preparation of specimens for histology
g.. Bullet lubricant - with other ingredients, such as olive oil and beeswax
h.. Solid propellant for hybrid rocket motors[12]
i.. Component of surfwax, used for grip on surfboards in surfing
j.. Component of glide wax, used on skis and snowboards
k.. Friction-reducer, for use on handrails and cement ledges, commonly used
in skateboarding
l.. Ink. Used as the basis for solid ink different color blocks of wax for
thermal printers. The wax is melted and then sprayed on the paper producing
images with a shiny surface
m.. Microwax[1]: food additive, a glazing agent with E number E905
n.. Forensics aid: the nitrate test uses paraffin wax to detect nitrates and
nitrites on the hand of a shooting suspect
o.. Antiozonant agents: blends of paraffin and micro waxes are used in rubber
compounds to prevent cracking of the rubber; the antiozonant waxes can be
produced from synthetic waxes, FT wax, and Fischer Tropsch wax
p.. Mechanical thermostats and actuators, as an expansion medium for
activating such devices[10]
q.. "Potting" guitar pickups, which reduce microphonic feedback caused from
the subtle movements of the pole pieces
r.. Wax baths for beauty and therapy purposes
s.. Thickening agent in many Paintballs, as used by Crayola
t.. An effective, although comedogenic, moisturiser in toiletries and
cosmetics such as Vaseline
u.. Prevents oxidation on the surface of polished steel and iron[13]
[edit] References
1.. ^ Britannica 1911
2.. ^ a b Kaye, George William Clarkson; Laby,Thomas Howell. "Mechanical
properties of materials". Kaye and Laby Tables of Physical and Chemical
Constants. National Physical Laboratory.
http://www.kayelaby.npl.co.uk/general_physics/2_2/2_2_1.html. Retrieved on
2008-03-06.
3.. ^ "Electrical insulating materials". Kaye and Laby Tables of Physical and
Chemical Constants. National Physical Laboratory. 1995.
http://www.kayelaby.npl.co.uk/general_physics/2_6/2_6_3.html. Retrieved on
2007-04-23.
4.. ^ "Attenuation of fast neutrons: neutron moderation and diffusion". Kaye
and Laby Tables of Physical and Chemical Constants. National Physical
Laboratory.
http://www.kayelaby.npl.co.uk/atomic_and_nuclear_physics/4_7/4_7_3.html.
Retrieved on 2007-04-23.
5.. ^ Rhodes, Richard (1986). The Making of the Atomic Bomb. New York: Simon
and Schuster. pp. 163. ISBN 0-671-44133-7.
6.. ^ "Specific Heat Capacity". Diracdelta.co.uk Science and Engineering
Encyclopedia. Dirac Delta Consultants Ltd, Warwick, England.
http://www.diracdelta.co.uk/science/source/s/p/specific%20heat%20capacity/source.html.
Retrieved on 2007-08-18.
7.. ^ "Micronal PCM SmartBoard".
http://www.micronal.de/portal/basf/ien/dt.jsp?setCursor=1_290798.
8.. ^ Dean, W. G.; Karu, Z. S. (February 1993). "Space Station thermal
storage/refrigeration system research and development". Lockheed Missiles and
Space Co. Report. NASA. http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1993lock.rept.....D.
Retrieved on 28 November 2008.
9.. ^ Wax-pellet thermostat United States Patent 4948043
10.. ^ a b Bodén, Roger. "Paraffin Microactuator". Materials Science Sensors
and Actuators. University of Uppsala.
http://hermes.material.uu.se/~klas/Paraffin_lab_eng.pdf. Retrieved on
2007-04-23.
11.. ^ "Mineral Oil (Food Grade)". WHO Food Additives Series 10. Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; World Health Organization.
1976. http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v10je08.htm. Retrieved on
2007-08-21.
12.. ^ Staff (Fall 2004). "Rocket motor uses common household product for
fuel". OASIS Ocean Air Space Industry Site (Stennis Space Center Pearlington,
MS: NASA) 1 (3): 6. http://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/pdf/69281main_fall.pdf.
Retrieved on 28 November 2008.
13.. ^ Dick, William B.. "Encyclopedia Of Practical Receipts And Processes".
http://chestofbooks.com/reference/Encyclopedia-Of-Practical-Receipts-And-Processes/Steel-Part-6.html.
Retrieved on 2008-04-27.
[edit] See also
a.. Oligomer
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraffin";
Categories: Waxes | Alkanes | Petroleum products | Food additives
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----- Original Message -----
From: Christian Shinaberger
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 3:15 PM
Subject: Re: [BlindHandyMan] paraffin oil
Hi Jim,
Well, I've read a lot of British books talking about paraffin stoves.
this puzzled me at the time as I thought paraffin was a wax. Then one
of my teachers who worked on bicycles had learned from a British book
bike book that paraffin was kerosene. it could be that they use the
paraffin for both kerosene and mineral oil.
If it's used for cleaning bike chains and in stoves I'd go with kerosene.
Then who knows I know the British also have at least four
designations for what we call a .380 auto cartridge.
Chris
At 05:48 PM 6/29/2009, you wrote:
>hmmm even here its a split decision.
>is it kerosene or mineral oil
>I know the two smell different.
>Jim
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
