In nature, it is possible to find several products of paramount importance for the performance of human activities, providing subsidies for technological development. Without a doubt, the essential element for the industrial process is energy. In this sense, man, seeking to diversify energy sources, uses various raw materials in the manufacture of fuels, and one of these products is paraffin.
Developed by German chemist Carl Reichenbach, paraffin is a petroleum-derived product. This substance is formed by saturated hydrocarbons (carbon and hydrogen), not being soluble in water and acid – it is only soluble in ether, diethyl ether, benzene and some esters – it has a white color and does not present odor.
One of the benefits provided by paraffin is that it is non-toxic, but highly flammable. Its use is very common in the production of candles. It also serves as a raw material in the manufacture of crayons, protective packaging, cosmetics, paints, fuels, etc.
Scientists Arif Karabeyoglu, from Stanford University, and David Altman, from NASA (National Space and Aeronautics Administration, also known as the American Space Agency), developed a solid fuel from paraffin that could be used in shuttle rockets. space. The fuel obtained from paraffin is highly effective, has a lower cost than fossil fuels, is easy to handle, is non-toxic and releases less polluting gases.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team
