Finding Solvent to Dissolve Paraffin Wax

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SUMMARY

To effectively dissolve paraffin wax, several solvents are recommended, including benzene, xylene, carbon disulfide (CS2), and commercial options like CitriSolv, which is a citrus oil-based solvent available from Fisher Scientific and VWR. CitriSolv is noted for being more eco-friendly compared to traditional solvents like xylene. For heavy-duty applications, brake cleaner, which typically contains toluene, hexane, and xylene, is also effective but may damage plastic components. Users should assess the compatibility of these solvents with their equipment before use.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of solvent properties and safety precautions
  • Familiarity with paraffin wax applications and types
  • Knowledge of chemical compatibility with materials
  • Basic skills in handling and applying solvents
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and safety data sheets (SDS) for CitriSolv and brake cleaner
  • Learn about the chemical structure and types of paraffin wax
  • Investigate eco-friendly alternatives to traditional solvents
  • Explore methods for safely removing paraffin wax from equipment
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemists, laboratory technicians, and maintenance personnel dealing with paraffin wax in industrial or research settings, particularly those seeking effective and safe solvent solutions.

mohmom
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can anyone help me to find solvent to dissolve the Paraffin wax which i have?
i need to knoe what type of solvent can dissolve it please.:confused:
 
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Benzene, xylene, CS2, and possibly a large number of commercial solvents...what exactly is your requirement? What paraffin wax do you have?
 
really i don't know its type but its hot melt adhesive and because the repeated maintenace and problem at the melt machine i want to consume the wax bulk by chemical method .
 
I don't usually recommend specific brands, but I don't know if there's a "generic" equivalent. You can get something called CitriSolv from Fisher Scientific or VWR (I think they both carry it), which is a citrus oil based solvent. More "eco-friendly" than xylene. We use it for clearing paraffin from histological sections, and it also works well on the lab benches for cleaning spilled paraffin. But, beware, any of these solvents will do a job on plastics too, so if you have any plastic parts in your equipment, you'll have to resort to old-fashioned scraping off of paraffin.
 
You can go to auto parts store and get brake cleaner. It is usually a combination of toluene, hexane, and xylene packed in a OH, convenient spray. It will pretty much dissolve anything that is organic, your http://www.eifzc.com/petroleum_jelly_and_paraffin_wax.html" also.
 
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