Registration Dossier

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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

Diss Factsheets

Physical & Chemical properties

Endpoint summary

Administrative data

Description of key information

Additional information

Key study data are available for each relevant physicochemical endpoint for paraffin and hydrocarbon waxes. All substances in the category are solid at ambient temperature (20°C) and pressure (101.3 kPa). There is no guideline method available for this endpoint and data presented are based on visual observation, supported by data on melting point/pour point and viscosity (CONCAWE, 2010a). The melting point for chemicals in this category ranges from 43 to 95°C (CONCAWE, 1999a). The boiling point for paraffin and hydrocarbon waxes ranges from 300°C to 800°C (CONCAWE, 1997, 2010a; EWF, 1990) and the density ranges from 0.79 to 0.94 g/cm3 at 15°C (CONCAWE, 1999a; 2010a). The vapour pressure is negligible at 20°C and ranges from 0 to 20 Pa at 80°C (EWF, 1990).

Flash points for paraffin and hydrocarbon waxes range from 160°C to 300°C (CONCAWE, 2010a; EWF, 1990). Paraffin and hydrocarbon waxes are not considered to be flammable or explosive, and do not meet EU classification criteria for oxidising properties. The kinematic viscosity of substances in this category ranges from 3 to 30 mm2/s at 100°C (CONCAWE, 1999a).

Based on information available on the properties of the substances that comprise the paraffin and hydrocarbon waxes category of chemicals, specific data are not presented for the following endpoints: partition co-efficient, water solubility, granulometry, surface tension, flammability, auto flammability, explosiveness, oxidising properties, stability in organic solvents, and dissociation constant. Appropriate waiving statements are provided to indicate why data for these REACH endpoints are not applicable. The physico-chemical data presented are considered representative for the substances included in the category paraffin and hydrocarbon waxes.