The main components are straight-chain alkanes, a small amount of alkanes with single branch chains and monocyclic alkanes with long side chains; The main linear alkanes are n-docosane (C22H46) and n-octacosane (C28H58).
Paraffin wax does not react with common chemical reagents, but it can burn. Catalytic cracking reaction can occur in industry.
Paraffin wax has low chemical activity, neutrality and stable chemical properties. Under normal circumstances, it does not react with acids except nitric acid and alkaline solution.
Extended data
Paraffin products are in hot melt state for a long time during molding or coating, and contact with air. If the stability is not good, it is easy to oxidize, deteriorate, turn black, and even have an odor. In addition, paraffin wax will turn yellow when used under light conditions. Therefore, paraffin wax is required to have good thermal stability, oxidation stability and light stability.
The main factors affecting the stability of paraffin wax are trace non-hydrocarbon compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In order to improve the stability of paraffin, it is necessary to deeply refine paraffin to remove these impurities.
Because of its high oil content, crude paraffin is mainly used to make matches, fiberboard and canvas. After adding polyolefin additives into paraffin wax, the melting point increases, and the adhesion and flexibility are enhanced. Widely used in the production of moisture-proof and waterproof packaging paper, cardboard, surface coating of some textiles and candles.
After paper is soaked in paraffin, it can be made into various kinds of wax paper with good waterproof performance, which can be used in food, medicine and other packaging, metal rust prevention, printing and other industries. After adding paraffin into cotton yarn, textiles can be soft, smooth and elastic; Paraffin wax can also be made into detergent, emulsifier, dispersant, plasticizer, grease and so on.
Fully refined paraffin and semi-refined paraffin are widely used, mainly used as ingredients and packaging materials for foods, oral medicines and some commodities, as coating materials for baking containers, and for fruit preservation.
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