What Exactly Is Wax?
- weblognews1
- Oct 7, 2023
- 2 min read
Throughout the annals of history, mankind has harnessed the versatile properties of wax for a multitude of purposes and applications. This extraordinary substance goes by an array of names, and it belongs to a chemically diverse family of materials. Recent leaps in technology and evolving practices have made it feasible to acquire substances and compounds collectively referred to as "WAX." Within the intricate confines of refineries, wax assumes the role of a petrochemical product, intrinsically tied to the world of oil. In the towering structures of these refineries, wax bears a striking resemblance to bitumen, yet a marked disparity in their appearance sets them apart. While wax exhibits a color spectrum ranging from dark to light brown, bitumen stands resolutely black in contrast.
Categorizing Petroleum Wax Varieties
Within the depths of crude oil lie the diverse constituents of petroleum wax, which encompass solid or semi-solid hydrocarbons. Iranian wax exporters offer a range of wax types, including two varieties available at Vira Petroleum, a prominent wax exporter:
1. Crystalline Wax Crystalline wax emerges from refined residual oil or heavy distilled oil, extracted from vacuum distilled residual wax at ambient temperatures. During distillation processes, lubricating fractions yield crystalline wax. These waxes possess melting points that fall within the range of 120°F to 150°F (48°C to 65°C). 2. Microcrystalline Wax Microcrystalline wax, on the other hand, is derived from oil and solid wax through vacuum distillation, refined at ambient temperatures, and subsequently purified. Comprising remnants of crude oil, microcrystalline wax exhibits melting points ranging from 150°F to 175°F (65°C to 79°C). 3. Petrolatum Petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, is procured by extracting and purifying wax from vacuum distillation residues at ambient temperatures. This substance remains semi-solid at room temperature and finds applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. A highly refined version of petrolatum, known as Vaseline, is particularly favored. Petrolatum wax typically melts within the range of 150°F to 175°F (65°C to 79°C). 4. Paraffin Wax Paraffin wax is primarily a solid wax byproduct derived from oil processing. Widely used in cosmetics, paraffin takes various forms. In the guise of mineral oils, it contributes to beauty creams and lotions, while paraffin wax is a staple in beauty salons for manicures, pedicures, and cuticle care. Additionally, paraffin serves as a soothing remedy for muscle pain and joint discomfort, promoting increased blood flow and enhanced joint mobility. 5. Slack Wax Slack waxes represent minimally refined high-oil products, often employed as-is due to their relatively high oil content. Alternatively, further refinement can yield more purified waxes or lubricating oils. The melting points of slack waxes vary considerably, ranging from 105°F to 150°F, with oil content reaching levels as high as 35%. Beyond this, slack wax serves as a crucial ingredient in wax emulsions, construction boards, matches, candles, and moisture-proofing products. It is also instrumental in the production of moisture vapor barriers.
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