Fully Refined Paraffin Wax: The High-Performance Hydrocarbon For Diverse Industries

Fully refined paraffin wax is a highly purified, white, odorless solid hydrocarbon derived from petroleum, with a carbon chain length of C₂₀-C₄₀. With 99%+ purity and oil content below 0.5%, this premium wax serves critical functions in food packaging, cosmetics, candles, and industrial applications. The global market exceeds 4 million metric tons annually, driven by its exceptional stability and versatility.

Key Properties & Specifications

Physical & Chemical Characteristics

• Melting Point: 58-72°C (varies by grade)
• Oil Content: ≤0.5% (fully refined)
• Penetration (25°C): 10-20 dmm (ASTM D1321)
• Color: White (Saybolt +30)
• Odor: Odorless (critical for food/pharma)

Technical Grades

Production Process

1. Feedstock Preparation

• Slack Wax: Byproduct of lubricant oil refining (10-30% oil)
• Deoiling: Solvent (MEK/toluene) or sweating process

2. Refining Steps

1. Hydrotreating: Removes sulfur/nitrogen compounds
2. Clay Treatment: Bleaching for color improvement
3. Filtration: Final polishing

3. Quality Control

• Congealing Point (ASTM D938)
• Oil Content (ASTM D721)
• FDA Compliance: 21CFR172.886/178.3710

Major Applications

1. Food & Packaging (25% Market)

• Cheese Coating:
  • 50-100μm layer prevents moisture loss
  • Meets FDA 21CFR172.886
• Chewing Gum:
  • 5-8% wax base improves elasticity

2. Candle Manufacturing (40%)

• Premium Candles:
  • 100% paraffin or blended formulas
  • Burn time: 7-10g/hour (standard wick)
• Additive Compatibility:
  • Up to 10% fragrance load

3. Cosmetics & Pharma

• Lipsticks:
  • 5-15% wax provides structure
• Ointments:
  • USP-grade forms occlusive barrier

4. Industrial Uses

• Rubber Compounding:
  • 1-3% improves mold release
• PVC Lubricant:
  • 0.5-1.0phr reduces friction
• Investment Casting:
  • Pattern material blends

Performance Comparison

Market Dynamics

Global Production

• Top Producers:
  • China (35%)
  • ExxonMobil, Sasol, Shell
• Price Trends:
  • Linked to crude oil +$300/ton premium

Emerging Trends

• Bio-Based Alternatives:
  • Soy/carnauba wax blends
• Recycled Paraffin:
  • From waste candle recovery
• High-Melt Grades:
  • For tropical climate products

Safety & Compliance

✅ Non-Toxic:

• GRAS status (FDA)
• EU Food Contact Material 10/2011

⚠ Handling:

• Dust explosion risk (ST1 class)
• Melt handling >100°C requires PPE

♻ Environmental:

• Readily combustible
• Non-biodegradable but recyclable

Conclusion

Fully refined paraffin wax remains the gold standard for purity-demanding applications, from food coatings to luxury candles. As sustainability pressures grow, the industry is responding with recycling initiatives and bio-hybrid solutions while maintaining the unmatched performance of petroleum-derived paraffin.