General description

Paraffin wax is a non-toxic, non-reactive, soft, and odorless wax. This water barrier is made up of a complex mixture of hydrocarbon derivatives. It has a very large volume expansion even at high counter pressure.

Application

Paraffin wax has been used as a phase-change material (PCM) in the microvalve and micropump chambers to prepare paraffin microactuator for microfluidic experiments. It has also been used to study the possibility of integrating paraffin with polycarbonate components having rigid cavities and weak diaphragms.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Paraffin wax is utilized to get relief from discomfort and pain in conditions including arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, eczema, psoriasis, stiff joints, dry flaky skin, tired sore muscles, and inflammation. It is often used in skin-softening salon and spa treatments. Paraffin wax is used in candles and crayons preparations. It is used as lubrication and electrical insulation. It can be processed by casting, which makes it an appealing actuator material for microvalves and micropumps.