Name Paraffin wax (Heavy alkane) Formula from C20H42 to C40H82 Description Paraffin wax is a soft solid derivable from petroleum. It consists of mainly unbranched alkanes that form a crystalline structure. It is white/translucent, odorless and tasteless, as well as insoluble in water but soluble in benzene and othe esters. It is also an excellent electrical insulator. Extraction Process Paraffin wax falls into the category of petroleum waxes, which means that it is extracted by the process of crystalization from petroleum slack. Basic properties Compressive Strength – 658400 N/m2 Tensile Strength – 1380000 N/m2 Stiffness Density approx. – 900 kg/m3 Melting Point – 46 to 68 oC Carbon Footprint – 0.87kgCO2e/kg Recyclable – Yes Laser – No Milling – Yes 3d printing – No (But it is possible with an additive like plastic) Advantage in the context of digital fabrication 1. Malleable 2. Economical and easily available 3. Water resistant 4. Recyclable The properties of paraffin wax can be altered by mixing it with microcrystalline wax (another form of petroleum wax) Microcrystalline waxes are produced from a combination of heavy lube distillates and residual oils. They have a higher viscosity and melting point (54 – 95oC) We intend on experimenting with a mix of the two to see how we can enhance the properties of parafin wax. Material Suppliers FORM X

https://www.formx.es/

DALMAU

http://www.quimicsdalmau.net/v2/empresa.asp

CAMPS

http://drogueriacamps.com/

Cheapest found in Barcelona FORM X

https://www.formx.es/

17,5€ / 5kg (ex VAT) Projects 1. Sculpture work, by Fiodorov with the use of 3D milling

http://blog.nscnc.com/?page_id=1039#prettyPhoto

                2. Dragon, by Raim with the use of 3D milling

http://blog.nscnc.com/?p=613

                      3. Recall, by Beili Liu. Installation with hand-made paraffin was drips

http://beililiu.com/06_07/recall.html

                4. The Paraffin table, by Timo Breumelhof

http://www.droog.com/news/category/product/

                        5. SO WE TOo

http://shape.qut.edu.au/students/marcel-daniels

                  References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraffin_wax

http://www.igiwax.com/reference/waxbasics.html

http://www.formx.eu/modeling/wax/index.php

http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Paraffin.html

http://enu.kz/repository/2009/AIAA-2009-5115.pdf

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00723880#page-1

http://www.kayelaby.npl.co.uk/general_physics/2_2/2_2_1.html

http://www.chemicalbook.com/ProductMSDSDetailCB2854418_EN.htm

http://www.igiwax.com/igi-products/by-type/microcrystallinewax.html