Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax is a soft, colorless or white mixture of solid saturated hydrocarbons, usually derived from petroleum. It is used in candles, coatings, and many other products.

Alkane: An alkane is a saturated hydrocarbon containing only carbon–carbon and carbon–hydrogen single bonds. Paraffin wax consists chiefly of long-chain alkanes.
Slack wax: Slack wax is a crude petroleum-wax mixture containing paraffin wax and residual oil. It is the oily intermediate from which refined paraffin wax is commonly produced.
Candle: A candle is a solid fuel surrounding a wick that burns to produce light and heat. Paraffin wax is a widely used candle fuel because it melts and feeds a wick.
Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees, composed mainly of long-chain esters and hydrocarbons. Its biological origin and ester-rich composition differ from petroleum paraffin wax.
Hydrocarbon: A hydrocarbon is a chemical compound made only of carbon and hydrogen atoms. This broad chemical family includes the molecules that make up paraffin wax.
Solvent dewaxing: Solvent dewaxing removes wax from lubricating-oil streams by cooling a solvent-diluted mixture and filtering precipitated solids. This refinery operation separates wax crystals from oil.
Wax paper: Wax paper is paper coated with wax to resist moisture and reduce sticking. A thin paraffin coating gives paper a water-resistant surface.
Soy wax: Soy wax is a processed vegetable wax made chiefly from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is a plant-oil-based alternative to paraffin wax in many candles.
Melting point: A melting point is the temperature at which a solid changes into a liquid at a specified pressure. The range of melting points among its molecules determines when wax softens and melts.
Oil content: Oil content is the proportion of residual liquid oil present in a wax product. Refining reduces residual oil, which affects paraffin wax’s hardness, odor, and suitability.

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