Chlorinated Paraffins (CPs) are a group of synthetic chemicals that consist of paraffin (alkane) hydrocarbons that have been chlorinated. They are typically classified into three categories based on their carbon chain length:

1. Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs): C10-C13

2. Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (MCCPs): C14-C17

3. Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (LCCPs): C18-C30

The level of chlorination can range from 30% to 70% by weight.

Properties

Chlorinated paraffins are valued for their chemical stability, flame retardancy, and resistance to decomposition. Their properties include:

Hydrophobicity: They are not water-soluble.

High Density: Chlorination increases their density.

Non-flammability: They are often used as flame retardants.

Applications

Chlorinated paraffins have diverse applications, including:

Flame retardants: In plastics, rubbers, and textiles.

Plasticizers: To improve flexibility in plastics like PVC.

Lubricants and metalworking fluids: Their high temperature resistance and anti-corrosive properties make them useful in cutting and metal forming operations.

Sealants and adhesives: They help enhance chemical stability.

Environmental and Health Concerns

There is increasing concern about the environmental and health impacts of chlorinated paraffins. SCCPs, in particular, are bioaccumulative, toxic, and persistent in the environment. They can accumulate in the food chain, and exposure to high levels may cause harmful effects on aquatic organisms and mammals.

Due to these concerns, certain types of CPs, especially SCCPs, are restricted or banned in many countries under environmental regulations like the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) can also be classified based on their physical state at room temperature, which is determined by their carbon chain length and chlorine content. Here's a breakdown of their classification by physical state:

1. Liquid Chlorinated Paraffins:

Characteristics: Typically have a lower molecular weight and lower viscosity.

Carbon Chain Length: Generally, short-chain (C10–C13) and some medium-chain (C14–C17) paraffins.

Chlorine Content: Typically lower to medium chlorine content (30%–60% by weight).

Applications:

  Plasticizers: Enhance flexibility in PVC and other plastics.

  Lubricants: Used in metalworking fluids and as additives to reduce friction and wear.

  Flame retardants: In rubber, textiles, and adhesives.

Examples:

  SCCPs (Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins) are usually liquid at room temperature and are used in industrial applications like lubricants.

  MCCPs (Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins) can also be liquid depending on their chlorine content.

2. Semi-Solid Chlorinated Paraffins:

Characteristics: Viscous or gel-like consistency, partially solid at room temperature.

Carbon Chain Length: Primarily medium-chain (C14–C17) paraffins with higher chlorine content.

Chlorine Content: Typically in the medium-to-high range (50%–65% by weight).

Applications:

  Sealants: Used in construction materials and adhesives.

  Coatings: Often used in corrosion-resistant coatings for metals.

  Cable insulation: Can be used as plasticizers and flame retardants in insulating materials.

Examples: MCCPs that are semi-solid are useful in specific industrial processes where greater viscosity or material consistency is required.

3. Solid Chlorinated Paraffins:

Characteristics: Solid, waxy texture at room temperature, usually the highest in molecular weight and chlorine content.

Carbon Chain Length: Generally long-chain (C18–C30+) paraffins.

Chlorine Content: High (often more than 60% by weight).

Applications:

  Lubricants: Provide extreme pressure properties in metalworking.

  Plastic additives: Used to impart flame retardant properties in rigid plastics, particularly in industries like construction.

  Coatings: Used in protective coatings for high durability and corrosion resistance.

Examples:

  LCCPs (Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins) are solid at room temperature and are often used in more specialized, high-performance applications.

Summary of Classification by Physical State:

| Physical State   | Carbon Chain Length | Chlorine Content | Characteristics | Applications |

| Liquid       | C10–C13 (SCCPs), C14–C17 (some MCCPs) | 30%–60% | Lower viscosity, flow easily at room temperature | Lubricants, plasticizers, flame retardants |

| Semi-Solid   | C14–C17 (MCCPs) | 50%–65% | Viscous, partially solid | Sealants, coatings, cable insulation |

| Solid        | C18–C30+ (LCCPs) | >60% | Waxy, high density, solid at room temperature | Extreme pressure lubricants, rigid plastic additives, corrosion-resistant coatings |

This classification highlights how the physical state of chlorinated paraffins impacts their industrial uses and specific applications.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are versatile chemicals used in a wide range of industrial applications due to their flame retardancy, chemical stability, lubricity, and plasticizing properties. Here are the primary application areas:

1. Lubricants and Metalworking Fluids

Application: Used in cutting oils, drilling, milling, and other metalworking processes.

Function: Chlorinated paraffins act as extreme pressure additives, reducing wear and friction between metal surfaces, preventing seizing, and extending tool life.

Key Types: SCCPs and MCCPs are commonly used due to their fluid nature and effective high-temperature resistance.

2. Plasticizers in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Application: Added to PVC and other plastics to improve flexibility, workability, and durability.

Function: Chlorinated paraffins increase the plastic's resistance to heat, chemicals, and aging, making them useful in manufacturing flexible PVC products like cables, flooring, and hoses.

Key Types: MCCPs and LCCPs are preferred due to their higher molecular weight and solid state, providing stability to the polymer.

3. Flame Retardants

Application: Used in plastics, rubber, textiles, and paints.

Function: Chlorinated paraffins reduce the flammability of materials by releasing chlorine when heated, which inhibits the combustion process.

Key Types: SCCPs and MCCPs are commonly used as flame retardants in rubber products, conveyor belts, electrical cables, and coatings.

4. Sealants and Adhesives

Application: Used in industrial sealants, adhesives, and caulks for construction and automotive industries.

Function: CPs enhance the chemical stability, water resistance, and flame retardancy of sealants and adhesives.

Key Types: MCCPs and LCCPs are used to improve adhesion and increase durability in harsh environments.

5. Paints and Coatings

Application: Added to paints, varnishes, and coatings to provide enhanced durability and flame retardancy.

Function: Chlorinated paraffins improve the fire resistance and chemical resistance of coatings, especially in industrial and marine environments.

Key Types: MCCPs and LCCPs are used in protective coatings for metal structures, including ships, storage tanks, and bridges.

6. Rubber Compounds

Application: Used in rubber processing, especially in the production of products like hoses, belts, and seals.

Function: CPs improve flexibility, flame retardancy, and oil resistance in rubber compounds.

Key Types: MCCPs are commonly used in rubber for applications requiring both flexibility and durability.

7. Leather Processing

Application: Used in the treatment of leather to improve water resistance and flame retardancy.

Function: Chlorinated paraffins enhance the durability and quality of processed leather, making it suitable for industrial applications.

Key Types: SCCPs are used to add water-resistant and fire-retardant properties to leather.

8. Textile Treatment

Application: Used in coatings for textiles, especially for fireproof fabrics and industrial textiles.

Function: CPs enhance the flame resistance and water repellency of textiles used in protective clothing, upholstery, and other high-performance applications.

Key Types: SCCPs and MCCPs are used in treating industrial textiles, such as conveyor belts and safety gear.

9. Additives in Concrete

Application: Used as an additive in concrete formulations to enhance water resistance and durability.

Function: CPs help improve the long-term strength and resistance of concrete structures to chemical degradation and moisture.

Key Types: LCCPs are often used in concrete applications where durability and resistance to harsh environments are required.

10. Electrical Insulation and Cable Compounds

Application: Added to electrical cables and wires to enhance their flame retardancy and flexibility.

Function: CPs improve the insulation properties and fire resistance of cables used in buildings, automotive, and industrial applications.

Key Types: MCCPs are used in wire insulation for flexible and heat-resistant electrical products.

How to use Chlorinated paraffins:

Using chlorinated paraffins (CPs) effectively and safely requires attention to their specific characteristics, intended applications, and the associated environmental and health concerns. The method of use varies depending on the industry and the form of the CP (liquid, semi-solid, or solid). Here are the general guidelines on how to use chlorinated paraffins across various industries:

1. Metalworking and Lubricants

Purpose: CPs are used as additives in lubricants and metalworking fluids to provide extreme pressure (EP) resistance and reduce wear.

Method:

  Concentration: Typically added to metalworking fluids at concentrations of 5% to 30% depending on the operation.

  Mixing: Blend with base oils and other additives to form a homogeneous solution. The chlorinated paraffin is mixed into the cutting oils or metalworking fluids before use.

  Application: The fluid is applied to metal surfaces during operations like cutting, drilling, and milling to reduce friction, cool the tool, and extend its lifespan.

  Safety: Ensure adequate ventilation in working areas to reduce exposure to fumes. Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks.

2. Plasticizer in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Purpose: CPs are used as secondary plasticizers in PVC to improve flexibility, durability, and flame resistance.

Method:

  Concentration: Typically used at levels of 5% to 15% by weight, depending on the desired properties of the final product.

  Mixing: CPs are blended with primary plasticizers (like phthalates) and added to PVC resins in a plasticizing machine or during extrusion processes.

  Application: The plasticized PVC is used for products like cables, hoses, flooring, and flexible plastics.

  Safety: Ensure proper mixing and ventilation to minimize exposure. Workers should wear protective equipment when handling the compounds.

3. Flame Retardants in Plastics and Rubber

Purpose: CPs are added to plastics, rubbers, and other materials to reduce flammability and meet fire safety standards.

Method:

  Concentration: Typically used in the range of 5% to 20% by weight, depending on the material and fire safety requirements.

  Mixing: CPs are mixed with other flame-retardant additives (e.g., antimony trioxide) during the material compounding process. This is usually done in a mixer or during the extrusion or molding process.

  Application: Applied to rubber products (e.g., conveyor belts), cables, or coatings where fire resistance is essential.

  Safety: Handle the materials with care and avoid direct skin contact. Use adequate extraction and ventilation systems to minimize the release of chlorinated paraffin vapors during processing.

4. Sealants, Adhesives, and Coatings

Purpose: CPs enhance the flexibility, flame resistance, and chemical stability of industrial sealants, adhesives, and coatings.

Method:

  Concentration: Typically used in amounts ranging from 10% to 20% by weight.

  Mixing: CPs are added during the formulation of sealants or adhesives, often along with other plasticizers, stabilizers, and fillers.

  Application: The sealant or adhesive is applied using standard industry techniques, such as extrusion or spraying, to surfaces in construction, automotive, or marine industries.

  Safety: Ensure proper ventilation during application and wear protective clothing, especially when handling large quantities.

5. Paints and Varnishes

Purpose: CPs are used in paints and varnishes to provide fire retardancy and enhance chemical resistance.

Method:

  Concentration: Used in concentrations of 5% to 15%, depending on the specific fire retardancy and durability requirements.

  Mixing: CPs are mixed with resins, pigments, and other additives during paint formulation, typically in a mixer or during the manufacturing process.

  Application: The paint or varnish is applied by spraying, brushing, or rolling onto surfaces like metals, wood, and textiles.

  Safety: Workers should use respiratory protection, gloves, and protective clothing. Ensure proper ventilation during application and drying to minimize the inhalation of fumes.

6. Rubber Compounding

Purpose: CPs are used in rubber to improve flexibility, oil resistance, and flame retardancy.

Method:

  Concentration: Typically used at 5% to 15% by weight in rubber compounds.

  Mixing: CPs are blended with rubber during the compounding process in mixers such as Banbury or two-roll mills.

  Application: The compounded rubber is used to make products like belts, hoses, and seals, which require flame retardancy and flexibility.

  Safety: Follow proper handling guidelines to avoid skin and respiratory exposure. Use appropriate PPE, such as gloves and masks.

7. Leather Processing

Purpose: CPs are used in leather processing to improve water resistance and flame retardancy.

Method:

  Concentration: Used at varying levels depending on the desired properties of the leather.

  Application: CPs are added during the leather finishing process, either by spraying or dipping the leather into a solution containing CPs.

  Safety: Workers should use protective equipment, including gloves and masks, to avoid direct exposure to the chemicals.

8. Textile Treatment

Purpose: CPs are used to enhance the flame retardancy and water resistance of textiles.

Method:

  Concentration: Added at concentrations of 5% to 10%, depending on the type of fabric and the desired level of flame resistance.

  Application: Textiles are either dipped or sprayed with a CP solution, and the treated fabric is then dried and cured.

  Safety: Workers should wear gloves and masks to avoid contact with CPs, and the workspace should be properly ventilated to prevent inhalation of fumes.

General Safety Considerations:

Ventilation: Ensure that the workspace is well-ventilated to reduce exposure to CP fumes, which can be hazardous.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use gloves, masks, and protective clothing when handling chlorinated paraffins to minimize skin contact and inhalation.

Environmental Protection: Proper disposal of CPs is essential, as they can be harmful to the environment, especially SCCPs, which are persistent organic pollutants. Avoid releasing chlorinated paraffins into waterways or soil.

Regulatory Compliance: Follow local regulations and guidelines for the use and disposal of CPs, particularly in countries where certain types (like SCCPs) may be restricted or banned.

By following these application-specific methods and safety protocols, chlorinated paraffins can be used effectively while minimizing health and environmental risks.