A Short Guide for Chlorinated Paraffins: Definition, Properties, and Applications

Research in the branch of chemistry has given out some amazing compounds and mixtures. The idea that uranium is radioactive and can be a source of nuclear fuel or the discovery of several antibiotic compounds like penicillin that can be attributed to scientific developments in the field of chemistry. From the fuel that powers our spaceships to the polythene bag that we use every day, chemistry has a significant role to play in each of these products. Famous scientists and researchers like John Dalton, Dmitri Mendeleev, Marie Curie, etc. through their experiments have enlightened the world with stunning discoveries and inventions. At the same time, however, discovery of certain compounds didn’t create a frenzy when they were discovered but, over the years, have become extremely crucial for human lives. Chlorinated paraffin is one such compound.

Chlorinated paraffin is a complex compound of polychlorinated n-alkanes formed by reaction between unbranched paraffin compound and chlorine gas with UV light acting as a promoter of chlorination. Chlorinated paraffin, thus formed, is a synthesis of hundreds of homologues and isomers which are present in chlorinated n-alkanes. Also, in order to maintain stability of the compound, especially at high temperatures, many-a-times epoxidized vegetable oil is added to it.

Properties of Chlorinated Paraffin

Carl von Reichenbach, a German scientist, is credited with the invention of paraffin oil in the 1800s. Paraffin oil, in the subsequent years, proved to be a reliable and an efficient fuel as compared to other conventional fuels used by the candle industry. This increased the demand for paraffin oil and in subsequent years, with further research, chlorinated paraffin was invented.

Depending on the degree of chlorination of the unbranched paraffin compound and the chain length of the resultant compound, chlorinated paraffins are colorless or have a yellowish, amber tinge. Also dependent on both these factors is the viscosity of the liquid which ranges from mobile to highly viscous state. The chain length also determines whether the resultant chlorinated paraffin is waxy or glassy in texture. Chlorinated paraffins are typically insoluble in water and are generally used to form suspensions and emulsions. Also, these compounds are non-flammable, non-poisonous and have low volatility.

Applications of Chlorinated Paraffin

The unique physical properties exhibited by these compounds have helped in widening their applicability across several different sectors and industries. Chlorinated paraffins have been used commercially in various industries since the first half of the 20^th century. Since then, the chlorinated paraffin market has expanded enormously across the globe. Especially, the chlorinated paraffin market in North America region, according to market analysts, is expected to witness substantial growth with a healthy CAGR of 2.7% in the 2018-2025 timeframe. The wide range of applications have been the main reason behind the increase in demand and growth of this market. Some of the applications are given here:

• Used as a plasticizer compound in manufacturing of PVC compounds. These PVC compounds are further used in manufacturing of wires, cables, footwear, and toys.
• Used in manufacturing of PVC flooring, cloth coating, PVC resins, and high-pressure lubricants.
• Used as an intermediary agent for manufacturing of PVC pipes which have extensive utility in irrigation and other industrial purposes.
• Used as flame retardant in plastic and textile industry; it is also used as a binder in case of certain polymers.
• Used along with antimony trioxide and decabromodiphenyl oxide in manufacturing of polyester fabrics for tents.

The Bottom Line

Chlorinated paraffins have been of great use to several industries spanning across several sectors. Apart from the manufacturing sector, these compounds have some applicability in health sector too. Paraffins laced with chlorine gas are used in manufacturing of hand and face cream and similar such cosmetics. Some paraffins are even used in food production and animal feed industry.

About the Author(s)

Akhilesh Prabhugaonkar

Akhilesh Prabhugaonkar holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the reputed Vishwakarma Institute of Technology. He has a special interest in the field of forensics, world history, international relations and foreign policy, sports, agriculture, astronomy, security and oceanography. An ardent bibliophile and melophile, Akhilesh loves to write on topics of his interest and various other societal issues. This love for writing made him enter the professional world of content writing and pursue his career in this direction.