Paraffin is formed from the combination of hydrocarbons.
Paraffin is the general name given to certain solids formed from a combination of hydrocarbons . These solids have no odor and, due to their lower density (0.8 g/cm3), they cannot be mixed with water , although they can dissolve in ether, hot ethanol, benzene and chloroform.
The paraffin production process generally begins with a petroleum distillation , which allows heavy oils to be obtained. These substances, which are at high temperature due to distillation, are cooled until the paraffin crystallizes and can be separated through filters or a centrifugation process. Various techniques will then allow the paraffin to be purified until obtaining a product that can be used in various areas of industry. It should be noted, however, that paraffin can also be obtained from coal .
In addition to crude oil, other sources of paraffin are wood and coal. The first person to distill petroleum to obtain paraffin was the geologist Abraham Gensner , in 1807 . Initially, its production cost was high, but it decreased as more oil fields were discovered and refining methods became more economical.
Paraffin characteristics
Among its most characteristic properties are that it can maintain a high heat output, 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 smell that can be annoying.
It is common to make candles with paraffin.
Its use in crafts, cosmetics and other areas
In the field of crafts , paraffin is frequently used to make candles and various decorations. Generally, paraffin is melted so that it can be poured into certain molds that, when the product cools, will give the final shape. Since it is possible to apply dyes to the molten paraffin, the result of the crafts can be very attractive.
Various cosmetics also include paraffin as it helps preserve skin hydration, making it look firmer. What paraffin does is create a very thin layer that works as a kind of film.
Other uses of paraffin are in the electricity industry (as an insulator), food (for packaging) and pharmaceuticals (in the treatment of certain digestive disorders).
Risks when using paraffin
It is important to take into account certain characteristics of paraffin that make it dangerous if not handled responsibly:
* may contain residual traces of refined oil, since it is a by-product of the oil industry;
* When burning paraffin candles, the same soot that 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 carcinogenic agents (also known as carcinogens ;
* Some of the harmful substances found in paraffin candles in significant quantities are carcinogens, toluene and benzene, among more than 20 that have been found in tests carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Ingesting paraffin can not only cause serious health problems, but can also 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 contaminating products, such as gasoline or methylated alcohols, which increases its danger and adds the risk of explosion (this is common with the famous paraffin stoves ).