Paraffin wax
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax (/ˈpærəfɪn/), also known as paraffin or crystalline wax, is a soft, colorless solid derived from petroleum, coal or oil shale.
Etymology
The term "paraffin" originates from the Latin words parum ("little") and affinis ("lacking affinity"). This refers to paraffin's lack of reactivity with chemical reagents.
Description
Paraffin wax is a white or colorless soft solid derivable from petroleum, coal or oil shale. It is made up of heavy alkane molecules and has a melting point between 46 to 68 °C (115 to 154 °F), and a density of around 900 kg/m3.
Uses
In medicine, paraffin wax is used for paraffin wax bath therapy, a form of heat therapy that helps to increase blood flow, relax muscles, and decrease joint stiffness. It is also used in laboratory settings for embedding tissue specimens, allowing for very thin slicing for microscopic examination.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Paraffin wax
- Wikipedia's article - Paraffin wax
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