Refined fischer-tropsch wax VS paraffin wax

What is the difference between refined Fischer-Tropsch wax and paraffin wax? Paraffin wax is a kind of mineral wax and also a kind of petroleum wax. It is a material obtained by freezing or solvent dewaxing of petroleum fractions, and then deoiling and refining. It is divided into crude paraffin, semi-refined and fully refined paraffin, edible paraffin etc.

Refined Fischer-Tropsch wax:

1. The chemical structure of Fischer-Tropsch wax is straight-chain alkanes, does not contain double construction, has good oxidation resistance and good weather resistance. Paraffin has a small amount of alkane with individual branches and monocyclic cycloalkanes with long side chains.

2. The molecular weight of Fischer-Tropsch wax is much lower than that of  paraffin, with fewer branches and high crystallinity. It is easier to penetrate into the high-viscosity macromolecular chain, which can significantly reduce the melt viscosity; the migration during processing is small, and the later lubrication effect is obvious. Ordinary paraffin is a mixture of solid higher alkanes, the main component is straight-chain alkanes, there are a small amount of individual branched alkanes and monocyclic cycloalkanes with long side chains.

3. The viscosity of Fischer-Tropsch wax is only about 10, can achieve the lubricating effect with little amount; the viscosity of paraffin wax is between 20-60, the lubricating effect is poor.

4. Because of its high oil content, crude paraffin wax is mainly used in the manufacture of matches, fiberboards, tarpaulins, etc. After adding polyolefin additives to paraffin wax, its melting point increases, adhesion and flexibility increase, and it is widely used in moisture-proof and waterproof packaging paper, cardboard, surface coating of certain textiles and candle production. Paraffin wax can also be made into detergents, emulsifiers, dispersants, plasticizers, greases, etc.

Refined paraffin wax:

Fully refined paraffin and semi-refined paraffin have a wide range of uses. They are mainly used as components and packaging materials for food, oral medicines and certain commodities (such as wax paper, crayons, candles, carbon paper), coating materials for baking containers, and preservation of fruits , Insulate electrical components, improve rubber aging resistance and increase flexibility. It can also be used for oxidation to generate synthetic fatty acids.

Fischer-Tropsch wax can be used in plastic processing, such as injection molding, extrusion and pelletizing industries. In the production process of masterbatch and modified plastics, Fischer-Tropsch wax contributes to the dispersion of fillers and excellent smoothness during mixing.