Editing Paraffin wax (section)

== Applications ==
In industrial applications, it is often useful to modify the crystal properties of the paraffin wax, typically by adding [[Branching (polymer chemistry)|branching]] to the existing carbon backbone chain. The modification is usually done with additives, such as [[Ethylene-vinyl acetate|EVA]] copolymers, [[microcrystalline wax]], or forms of [[polyethylene]]. The branched properties result in a modified paraffin with a higher viscosity, smaller crystalline structure, and modified functional properties. Pure paraffin wax is rarely used for carving original models for [[Casting (metalworking)|casting]] metal and other materials in the [[lost wax process]], as it is relatively brittle at room temperature and presents the risks of chipping and breakage when worked. Soft and pliable waxes, like [[beeswax]], may be preferred for such sculpture, but "[[investment casting]] waxes," often paraffin-based, are expressly formulated for the purpose.

In a histology or pathology laboratory, paraffin wax is used to impregnate tissue prior to sectioning thin samples. Water is removed from the tissue through ascending strengths of alcohol (75% to absolute), and then the alcohol is cleared in an organic solvent such as [[xylene]]. The tissue is then placed in paraffin wax for several hours, then set in a mold with wax to cool and solidify. Sections are then cut on a [[microtome]].

=== Other uses ===
* Agent for preparation of specimens for [[histology]]
* Anti-caking agent, moisture repellent, and dustbinding coatings for [[fertilizers]]
* [[Antiozonant]] agents: blends of paraffin and micro waxes are used in rubber compounds to prevent [[Ozone cracking|cracking]] of the rubber; the admixture of wax migrates to the surface of the product and forms a protective layer. The layer can also act as a [[release agent]], helping the product separate from its [[Molding (process)|mould]].<ref>{{harv|Freund|Mózes|1982|p=272}}</ref>
* [[Bicycle chain]] lubrication
* Bullet lubricant – with other ingredients, such as olive oil and [[beeswax]]
* [[Candle]]-making
* Coatings for [[waxed paper]] or [[waxed cotton]]
* Component of [[surfboard wax]], [[ski wax]], and [[Street skateboarding#Wax|skateboard wax]]
* [[Crayon]]s
* Food-grade paraffin wax:
** Shiny coating used in [[candy]]-making; although edible, it is nondigestible, passing through the body without being broken down
** Coating for many kinds of hard [[cheese]], like [[Edam cheese]]
** Sealant for jars, cans, and bottles
** Chewing gum additive
* [[Forensic investigation]]s: the nitrate test uses paraffin wax to detect nitrates and nitrites on the hand of a shooting suspect
* Fuel for [[Fire breathing (circus act)|fire breathing]]
* [[Investment casting]]
* [[Lava Lamps|Lava lamps]]
* Manufacture of [[boiled leather]] armor and books
* Mechanical [[Wax thermostatic element|thermostats]] and [[Paraffin microactuator|actuators]], as an expansion medium for activating such devices<ref name=rogerboden/><ref>{{cite journal|last=Ogden|first=Sam|author2=Klintberg, Lena |author3=Thornell, Greger |author4=Hjort, Klas |author5= Bodén, Roger |title=Review on miniaturized paraffin phase change actuators, valves, and pumps|journal=Microfluidics and Nanofluidics|volume=17|pages=53–71|date=30 November 2013|doi=10.1007/s10404-013-1289-3|s2cid=85525659|url=http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-208904}}</ref>
* Microwax:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://igiwax.com/igi-products/by-type/microcrystallinewax.html|title=Paraffin, microcrystalline, petrolatum, wax blends - Microcrystalline Wax|work=igiwax.com|access-date=29 April 2017|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019214424/http://www.igiwax.com/igi-products/by-type/microcrystallinewax.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[food additive]], a [[glazing agent]] with [[E number]] E905
* [[Moisturiser]] in [[toiletries]] and [[cosmetics]] such as [[Vaseline]].
* [[Neutron radiation]] shielding
* [[Phase change material]] for [[thermal energy storage]]
** Used by [[MESSENGER]] (Mercury spacecraft), when the spacecraft was unable to radiate excessive heat.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pds.nasa.gov/ds-view/pds/viewInstrumentProfile.jsp?INSTRUMENT_ID=MDIS-NAC&INSTRUMENT_HOST_ID=MESS |title= Instrument Information |work= [[NASA]] |date= 2007 |access-date= 24 January 2017}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=April 2024}}{{dead link|date=April 2024}}
* [[Phlegmatized|Phlegmatizing]] agent, commonly used to stabilise/desensitize [[high explosive]]s such as [[RDX]]
* [[Potting (electronics)|Potting]] material to encapsulate electronic components such as [[Pick up (music technology)|guitar pickups]], [[transformer]]s, and [[inductor]]s, to prevent moisture ingress and to reduce [[electromagnetically induced acoustic noise]] and [[Microphonics|microphonic effects]]
* Prevents [[Redox|oxidation]] on the surface of [[Steel|polished steel]] and [[iron]]<ref>
{{cite web |last=Dick |first=William B |title=Encyclopedia Of Practical Receipts And Processes |publisher=Dick and Fitzgerald |location=New York |year=1872 |url=http://chestofbooks.com/reference/Encyclopedia-Of-Practical-Receipts-And-Processes/Steel-Part-6.html |access-date=25 October 2013}}</ref>
* Solid [[ink]] color blocks of wax for [[Thermal printing|thermal printers]]. The wax is melted and then sprayed on the paper producing images with a shiny surface
* Solid propellant for [[hybrid rocket]] motors<ref>{{cite journal|last=Staff|date=Fall 2004|title=Rocket motor uses common household product for fuel|journal=OASIS Ocean Air Space Industry Site|volume=1|issue=3|pages=6|url=http://www.nasa.gov/centers/stennis/pdf/69281main_fall.pdf|access-date=28 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Tabor |first1=Abigail |title=From Pedicures to the Peregrine Rocket, Paraffin Wax Proves Its Worth |url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/from-pedicures-to-the-peregrine-rocket-paraffin-wax-proves-its-worth |website=NASA.gov |access-date=26 March 2019 |date=18 April 2017 |archive-date=27 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327005729/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/from-pedicures-to-the-peregrine-rocket-paraffin-wax-proves-its-worth/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* Textile manufacturing processes, such as that used for [[Eisengarn]] thread
* Thickening agent in many [[paintballs]]
* Wax baths for [[Occupational therapy|occupational]] and [[Physical therapy|physical]] therapies and [[Manicure#Paraffin wax treatments|cosmetic treatments]]
* [[Wax carving]]
* [[Wood finishing]]