Emulsion Paraffin
What is Emulsion Paraffin ?
Emulsion paraffin is a type of emulsion made from a mixture of paraffin wax and water. Paraffin wax is a type of mineral wax that is derived from petroleum and is commonly used in various industrial applications, such as candle-making, coatings, and waterproofing.
Emulsions are mixtures of two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, stabilized with the help of an emulsifying agent. In the case of emulsion paraffin, the paraffin wax is mixed with water and an emulsifying agent to form a stable emulsion.
Emulsion paraffin has several industrial uses, including as a waterproofing agent for fabrics, paper, and wood products. It can also be used as a coating for fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life and protect them from damage.
In the medical field, emulsion paraffin can be used as a laxative to relieve constipation. It is also used in dermatology as a moisturizer and protective barrier for the skin.
Quality of Emulsion Paraffin
The quality of emulsion paraffin can vary depending on several factors, including the purity and grade of the paraffin wax used, the type and concentration of the emulsifying agent, and the manufacturing process used to produce the emulsion.
In general, high-quality emulsion paraffin should have the following characteristics:
Stable: The emulsion should be stable and not separate into its constituent parts over time.
Homogeneous: The emulsion should be uniform in texture and color, without any visible particles or impurities.
Non-toxic: The emulsion should not contain any harmful chemicals or impurities that could pose a risk to human health.
Effective: The emulsion should be effective in its intended application, whether it is used as a waterproofing agent, a coating, or a laxative.
Consistent: The emulsion should be consistent in its properties and performance from batch to batch.
To ensure the quality of emulsion paraffin, it is important to source high-quality ingredients, use appropriate manufacturing processes, and conduct rigorous quality control testing at every stage of production.
History of Emulsion Paraffin
The history of emulsion paraffin dates back to the early 20th century, when the first emulsifying agents were developed. Emulsion paraffin was initially used as a lubricant for machinery and equipment, but its properties were soon recognized for other industrial and medical applications.
In the early 1900s, emulsion paraffin was used as a waterproofing agent for fabrics and paper products. It was also used as a coating for fruits and vegetables to protect them during transportation and storage.
During World War I, emulsion paraffin was used as a treatment for trench foot, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions. The emulsion helped to protect soldiers' feet from further damage and speed up the healing process.
In the medical field, emulsion paraffin was later developed as a laxative to treat constipation. It works by lubricating the digestive tract and softening stool, making it easier to pass.
Today, emulsion paraffin continues to be used in various industrial and medical applications. It is used as a waterproofing agent for outdoor clothing, as a coating for paper and cardboard packaging, and as a moisturizer and protective barrier for the skin in dermatology. Its versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable and widely used product in many industries
Usages of Emulsion Paraffin
Emulsion paraffin has a variety of uses across different industries. Here are some common applications:
Waterproofing agent: Emulsion paraffin is used to make fabrics, paper products, and wood waterproof. It is often used to protect outdoor clothing, tents, and awnings from water damage.
Coating: Emulsion paraffin is used as a coating for fruits and vegetables to extend their shelf life and protect them from damage during transportation and storage.
Laxative: Emulsion paraffin is used as a laxative to relieve constipation. It works by lubricating the digestive tract and softening stool, making it easier to pass.
Moisturizer: Emulsion paraffin is used in dermatology as a moisturizer and protective barrier for the skin. It helps to prevent water loss from the skin and keeps it hydrated.
Industrial lubricant: Emulsion paraffin is used as a lubricant for machinery and equipment in various industries. It helps to reduce friction and prevent wear and tear.
Paper and cardboard packaging: Emulsion paraffin is used as a coating for paper and cardboard packaging to make it more durable and water-resistant.
Candle-making: Emulsion paraffin is used as a primary ingredient in the production of candles due to its melting point, clarity, and ability to hold fragrance and color.
Packing of Emulsion Paraffin
Emulsion paraffin can be packed and shipped in different ways depending on the specific needs of the application and the volume of the product being transported. Here are some common packing methods for emulsion paraffin:
Drums: Emulsion paraffin is often packed in drums made of steel, plastic or fiberboard, with a capacity ranging from 25 to 200 liters. Drums are a common choice for transporting and storing large volumes of emulsion paraffin.
Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs): IBCs are large, reusable containers made of plastic or metal with a capacity of up to 1000 liters. They are often used to transport emulsion paraffin in bulk quantities.
Totes: Totes are smaller containers made of plastic or metal with a capacity of up to 275 gallons. They are commonly used for shipping smaller quantities of emulsion paraffin.
Tanker trucks: For transporting large quantities of emulsion paraffin, tanker trucks are used. They can carry up to several thousand gallons of emulsion paraffin and are commonly used for industrial applications.
Bulk bags: Bulk bags are large, flexible bags made of woven polypropylene with a capacity of up to 1,000 kg. They are often used for transporting emulsion paraffin in powder form.
The choice of packing method for emulsion paraffin will depend on various factors, such as the quantity of the product, the distance of transportation, and the specific needs of the application.
Prices of Emulsion Paraffin
The prices of emulsion paraffin can vary widely depending on various factors such as the grade of the wax used, the type and concentration of the emulsifying agent, the quantity purchased, and the geographical location.
In general, the price of emulsion paraffin can range from around $1 to $5 per kilogram for industrial applications, while medical-grade emulsion paraffin used as a laxative can cost more, around $10 to $20 per kilogram.
Other factors that can affect the price of emulsion paraffin include the cost of raw materials, the cost of manufacturing, transportation costs, and taxes and tariffs imposed by different countries.
It is important to note that prices of emulsion paraffin can fluctuate over time, depending on changes in the market conditions and supply and demand dynamics. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain quotes from multiple suppliers and compare prices before making a purchase.
Delivery time and Readiness of Emulsion Paraffin
The delivery time and readiness of emulsion paraffin will depend on several factors such as the quantity ordered, the location of the supplier and the customer, and the specific needs of the application. Here are some general guidelines:
Small quantities: If the order is for a small quantity of emulsion paraffin, the delivery time can be as short as a few days, provided that the product is in stock and the supplier has the necessary transportation arrangements in place.
Large quantities: For larger orders, the delivery time can take longer, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the availability of the product and the lead time required for manufacturing and transportation.
Customized orders: If the emulsion paraffin needs to be customized to meet specific requirements, such as a different concentration or type of emulsifying agent, the delivery time can take longer, typically ranging from several weeks to a few months.
Readiness: The readiness of emulsion paraffin can vary depending on the supplier's stock levels and production schedules. Some suppliers may have the product readily available, while others may need to manufacture it based on customer orders.
It is important to communicate with the supplier to get an estimate of the delivery time and readiness of emulsion paraffin. The supplier should be able to provide a timeline for the delivery of the product based on their current inventory levels, production capacity, and transportation arrangements.
Analysis Table of Emulsion Paraffin
| Component | Amount (wt. %) | Test Method |
| Paraffin wax | 50-70 | ASTM D87 |
| Emulsifying agent | 30-50 | ASTM D1287 |
| Water | 10-20 | ASTM D95 |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 | ASTM E70 |
| Viscosity | 100-500 cP | ASTM D445 |
| Melting point | 50-70°C | ASTM D127 |
| Flash point | >200°C | ASTM D93 |
| Color | White | ASTM D156 |
| Density | 0.8-0.9 g/cm3 | ASTM D1298 |