Paraffin Information
Currently we are investigating using paraffin wax as the fuel for our hybrid motor
Paraffin Wax is a natural product derived from the molecular components of decayed vegetable and animal material. Paraffin wax consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with the following general properties.
- Non-reactive
- Non-toxic
- Colorless
- Can be scented and made with way-cool colors
Paraffin waxes are characterized by a clearly defined crystal structure and have the tendency to be hard and brittle. The melt point of paraffin waxes generally falls between 120° and 160°F. Individual wax properties are determined by molecular size & structure, chemical composition and oil content. Paraffin wax consists mostly of straight chain hydrocarbons with 80 to 90% normal paraffin content and the balance consists of branched paraffin’s (iso-paraffins) and cycloparaffins.
The burning of paraffin produces water vapor, carbon, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.
We will initially try a commercially available “hurricane wax” used in making candles.
http://www.discountcandleshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/531
This wax has a melting point of around 160 deg Fahrenheit. The melting point may be increased through the use of additives.
The paraffin wax we are using has a density of:
0.895 grams/cm^3
