Paraffin waxes are characterised by melting point, oil content and penetration. The most important applications of paraffin waxes are in: tapers and candles, packaging materials, petrochemicals, polishes, pharmaceuticals, explosives, matches, electrical insulation and neutron barriers, waterproofing emulsions, tyres, textile waterproofing, hot-melt production, wood protection and water-repellent.
Paraffin wax is a petroleum wax made from de-oiled slack wax, which is derived by de-waxing base distillate lube oil streams of mainly straight chain alkanes. Paraffin wax is brittle and has a low melting point between 46 and 71 degrees C. It is highly resistant to moisture. Due to its low cost, paraffin wax is frequently added to other wax blends.