The word paraffin is a word that comes from the Latin "parum" which means barely and "affinis" which means lack of reactivity or affinity. Paraffin or paraffin hydrocarbon, as the alkane groups are technically known, paraffin is generally produced from oil or coal.
The starting process is carried out first with the distillation at a high temperature, in order to obtain the heavy oils that by cooling to zero degrees centigrade, the paraffin crystallizes, which is separated through filtration. Paraffin is usually produced in oil refineries.
On the other hand, paraffin wax is generally found as a white, waxy body that has no odor or taste, it cannot be dissolved in water, although it can be dissolved in benzene and ether. Paraffin is an element that is not damaged by the most frequent chemical reagents, but it can burn easily. Paraffin has many characteristics, among which are: it is considered a magnificent material to accumulate heat, which is used to transform plates into construction materials such as plasterboard. It is expandable when it melts.
Paraffin has various utilities such as for the elaboration of waxed paper that is used to wrap or package food or other products, also for the elaboration of carbon paper, greasy pencils and various products, it is also useful for the waterproofing of the lids of plastic, also serves as an insulator in electrical conductors.
