What is the raw material of wax?

The main raw material of candles is paraffin wax (C25H52), which is made from waxy fractions of petroleum by cold pressing or solvent dewaxing. It is a mixture of several higher alkanes, mainly n-docosane (C22H46) and n-octacosane (C28H58), containing about 85% carbon and 14% hydrogen.

Accessories added include white oil, stearic acid, polyethylene, essence, etc. Among them, stearic acid (C 17H35COOH) is mainly used to improve the softness, and the specific addition amount depends on what kind of candles are produced.

In pre-Qin and ancient times, people tied mugwort and reed into a bundle, then dipped it in oil and lit it. Later, someone wrapped a hollow reed with a cloth, filled it with beeswax and lit it.

Extended data:

There are many kinds of candles, which can be generally divided into two categories according to the purpose of use: daily lighting candles and handicraft candles. Lighting candles are relatively simple, usually white stick candles.

There are many kinds of craft candles, which can be divided into jelly craft candles and incense craft candles. Generally, it presents various colors and shapes due to the addition of ingredients, and can also be made into various forms as needed, integrating novelty, decoration and appreciation.

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