E905 - Paraffins, Microcrystalline Wax

Characteristic

Food additive E905 or microcrystalline wax, is a compound that many users actually know the name of paraffin. Used in the manufacture of candles. Labels such as hard paraffin, micro wax or paraffin wax are common.

Hard paraffins or micro-waxes can be made from crude oil or lignite, as well as peat coal. As far as synthesis is concerned, however, micro-waxes are a feature as they go through a special refining process.

In terms of properties, paraffins are pure white and can melt relatively well when heated. While the melting point of some paraffin species, such as soft paraffin, is very low, microwaxes are stable up to about 70 ° C.

Microcrystalline waxes, due to their origin, are called hydrocarbons. This is a compound in which branched isoalkanes clearly dominate. Like paraffin waxes, microcrystalline waxes are produced by sophisticated refining techniques such as distillation, crystallization and degreasing during petroleum refining. Microcrystalline waxes are almost completely free of all impurities and contaminants by means of high pressure hydrogenation (the most modern purification process). This final production step guarantees their high degree of purity.

Microcrystalline waxes can best be described as multicomponent mixtures consisting of saturated hydrocarbons. Unlike paraffin waxes, microcrystalline waxes have a significantly increased content of iso- and cycloalkanes. Carbon chains are also significantly longer. These molecular properties are obtained as a result of light fractions in oil refining. They are crucial for the microcrystalline structure, plasticity, smoothness and exceptional ability to absorb oil.

How the E905 is used depends on the melting temperature. For the food industry, microcrystalline waxes are preferred, which begin to melt only above 70 ° C. If the melting temperature is lower, the wax is used mainly in cosmetics or candle making.

Use

Microcrystalline wax (E905) is used as an additive for surface treatment. Classic coating agent. It is approved for use in the surface treatment of confectionery (except chocolate), chewing gum or as a coating on melons, papaya, mango and avocado. Gluten free.

Microcrystalline waxes are characterized by their diverse application:

• making candles;
• wax paper or fabric coatings;
• sealing jars, cans and bottles;
• coating for many types of hard cheeses, such as Eden cheese;
• paraffin wax for food purposes is used in some candies to look shiny;
• micro wax as a food additive - glazing agent (E905);
• as anti-stick, moisture-repellent and powder coatings for fertilizers;
• a key component in the wax used for casting;
• preparation for histology specimens;
• in dermatology, as an emollient (moisturizer);
• impure mixtures mainly of paraffin wax are used in wax baths for beauty and therapeutic purposes;
• in surfing to cover surfboards; main component - sliding wax used in the manufacture of skis and snowboards;
• mixtures of paraffin and micro-waxes in rubber compounds as an antiozonant to prevent cracking of the rubber. Today, antiozonants can be made from synthetic waxes, FT wax and Fischer Tropsch wax;
• the paraffin test is used in forensics to detect granules of gunpowder from the hand of a suspect in the shooting;
• solid fuel for hybrid rocket engines;
• fuel for fire performance.

Non-food paraffin wax may contain oils and other impurities that may be toxic or harmful.

Paraffin wax is not particularly used to make original molds, as it is relatively brittle at room temperature and usually cannot be carved in the cold without excessive crushing and breakage. Soft flexible waxes, such as beeswax, are preferred for modeling.

Outside the European Union, the provisions of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) apply to the applications of E905. In cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions, microcrystalline waxes are used as inactive substances, which, among other ingredients, such as Vaseline, enhance the lipid phase of the emulsion or the base of the ointment itself. They are used to improve the bonding properties and stability of the oil, to adapt the hardness of the preparation and whenever a hard but smooth and plastic mixture with low crystalline characteristics is required. They give structure and firmness to lip balms and other products in the form of sticks used as cosmetics without being overly crystalline.

Impact on humans

Although edible, microcrystalline wax passes directly through the human gastrointestinal tract without being broken down.

Studies show that microcrystalline waxes are absolutely safe to use in food. Consequently, the substances are approved as food additives in the European Union according to the classification, such as E905. In the field of personal hygiene, this approval means that they can be used without restriction as a chewing gum base, a basic material for lip care products and for certain food products, such as coatings, release agents and others. There is no set value for acceptable daily intake.

Paraffin treatment is used in cosmetics. Used to relieve muscle pain, fatigue and swelling. Paraffin treatments improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin.

Scented candles made of paraffin, when burned, emit highly toxic and carcinogenic hydrocarbons - benzene (benzene) and toluene (toluene). Benzene is poisonous and is part of gasoline and oil. Toluene is an aromatic hydrocarbon of the benzene order. It is used in the production of saccharin, paints and medicines, as well as as a raw material for the production of benzene, phenol and others. When burning a paraffin candle indoors, the smoke that is released can exacerbate the condition of people with asthma or allergies. The good news is that we can replace scented paraffin candles with safer ones. Such are beeswax candles, which even have a cleansing effect indoors. Another good choice are soy candles or palm wax, flavored with essential oils.