Definition of
Paraffin
Paraffin is the general denomination they receive certain solids formed from a combination of hydrocarbons. These solid they are odorless and, due to their lower density (0.8 g/cm3), they cannot be mixed with the wateralthough it can be dissolved in ether, hot ethanol, benzene and chloroform.
The paraffin production process generally starts from a distillation of the Petroleum, which allows heavy oils to be obtained. These substances, which are at a high temperature due to distillation, are cooled until the paraffin crystallizes and can be separated through filters or a centrifugal process. Various techniques will later make it possible to purify the paraffin until obtaining a product It can be used in various fields of industry. It should be noted, however, that paraffin can also be obtained from coal.
Besides crude oil, other sources of paraffin are wood and coal. The first person to distill petroleum to obtain paraffin was the geologist abraham gensnerin the year 1807. Initially, its production was expensive, but it decreased as more oil fields were discovered and methods refining became cheaper.
- Paraffin characteristics
- Its use in crafts, cosmetics and other areas
- Risks when using paraffin
Paraffin characteristics
Among its most characteristic properties, it stands out that it can maintain an output of heat high, its combustion is clean, it boils in the range of 150 to 275 degrees Celsius and its volatility is lower than that of gasoline.
In its liquid state, paraffin is transparent, colorless and oily. Although it is tasteless and odorless at room temperature, after heating it gives off a petroleum odor that can be annoying.
It can serve you: Gasoline
Its use in crafts, cosmetics and other areas
In the field of craftsparaffin is often used to make candles and various ornaments. In general, the paraffin is melted to be able to pour it into certain molds that, when the product cools, will give the final shape. Since it is possible to apply dyes to the melted paraffin, the result of the crafts can be very colorful.
various cosmetics They also include paraffin as it helps to preserve the hydration of the skin. fur, making it look firmer. What paraffin does is create a very thin layer that works like a kind of film.
Other uses of paraffin are in the industry electricity (as insulation), food (for packaging) and pharmaceuticals (in the treatment of certain digestive disorders).
See also: Electrical insulator
Risks when using paraffin
It is important to take into account certain characteristics of paraffin that make it dangerous if not handled responsibly:
* can contain remains Refined petroleum residues, since it is a by-product of the oil industry;
* When burning paraffin candles, the same soot that a fuel gives off is released, and its particles can be very harmful to the lungs, since they can contain neurotoxins and reproductive toxins, as well as carcinogens (also known as carcinogens;
* Some of the harmful substances found in paraffin candles in significant amounts are carcinogens, toluene and benzene, among more than 20 found in tests by the Environmental Protection Agency (Environmental Protection Agency).
The ingestion of paraffin can not only cause serious disorders of health, but it can cause death. On the other hand, contact with the skin can cause burns, even if it has not been lit. It is worth mentioning that the containers in which paraffin is sold usually contain polluting products, such as gasoline or methylated spirits, which increases its danger and adds the risk of explosion (this is common with the famous paraffin stoves).
Follow on: Diesel