Mineral oil 212419 225013797 2008-07-11T13:37:58Z Stephanos Georgios John 323716 Added linkt to lubricant. Rm false statement: in context of motor oils, synthetic oil is the very opposite of mineral oil '''Mineral oil''' or '''liquid [[petrolatum]]''' is a [[by-product]] in the [[distillation]] of [[petroleum]] to produce [[gasoline]]. It is a [[Transparency (optics)|transparent]], [[colorless]] oil composed mainly of [[alkane]]s (typically 15 to 40 carbons) <ref>[http://www.efsa.europa.eu/etc/medialib/efsa/science/afc/afc_opinions/779.Par.0001.File.dat/afc_fcm_op_jute_bags2004.12.20final1.pdf], efsa.europa.eu</ref> and cyclic [[paraffin]]s, related to [[white petrolatum]]. It has a density of around 0.8 g/cm<sup>3</sup>.<ref name=kayelabymech>{{cite web | last = | first = | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Mechanical properties of materials | work =Kaye and Laby Tables of Physical and Chemical Constants | publisher =National Physical Laboratory | date = | url =http://www.kayelaby.npl.co.uk/general_physics/2_2/2_2_1.html | format = | doi = | accessdate = 2008-03-06 }}</ref>. Mineral oil is a substance of relatively low value, and it is produced in very large quantities. Mineral oil is available in light and heavy grades, and can often be found in drug stores. There are three basic classes of mineral oils: * paraffinic oils, based on ''n''-alkanes * [[naphthenic oil]]s, based on [[cycloalkane]]s * aromatic oils, based on [[aromatic hydrocarbon]]s (not to confuse with [[essential oil]]s) == Applications == Due to its low price and ubiquitous supply, mineral oil has been pressed into service in a wide variety of capacities. Most of these exploit its properties as a low-toxicity, non-reactive general purpose [[lubricant]] and [[coolant]]. === Medicine === Mineral paraffinic oil is sometimes taken orally as a [[laxative]]. It lubricates [[feces]] and intestinal [[mucous membranes]], and limits the amount of water removed from feces. Typically, mineral oil is effective within as little as six hours. While it has been reported that mineral oil may be absorbed when emulsified, most information shows that it passes harmlessly through the gastrointestinal system. ''If used at all, mineral oil should never be given internally to young children, pets, or anyone with a cough, [[hiatus hernia]], or nocturnal reflux, and should be swallowed with care. Due to its low density, it is easily aspirated into the lungs, where it '''cannot be removed by the body''' and can cause serious complications such as [[Chemical pneumonitis|lipoid pneumonia]].<ref>[http://www.personalmd.com/news/a1998122802.shtml], personalmd.com</ref> While popular as a folk remedy, there are many safer alternatives available. In children, if aspirated, the oil can work to prevent normal breathing, resulting in death of brain cells and '''permanent''' [[paralysis]].'' <!-- This word is questionable as many could find it offensive, i will link it though, also due to reading other sources swallowing the oil can multiple cancers ~ Gaogier --> Mineral oil can also be dangerous to baby skin.<ref>[http://www.darlenemccord.com/baby-skin-care.html], Commonly Used Baby Skin Care Products Contain Chemicals That Put Infants At Substantial Risk, Darlene McCord, Ph.D., FAPWCA</ref> Mineral oil with added fragrance is marketed as '''baby oil''' in the US, UK and Canada. While baby oil is primarily marketed as a generic skin ointment, other applications exist in common use. It is best to use this oil on infant "diaper rashes" to ease the inflammation, and allow absorption into the epiditimitousary level of the skin. Mineral or baby oil is often used in small quantities (2–3 drops daily) to clean ears. Over a couple of weeks, the mineral oil softens dried or hardened earwax so that a gentle flush of water can remove it. In the case of a damaged or [[perforated eardrum]], however, mineral oil should not be used, as oil in the middle ear can lead to ear infections. It is also a recommended way of removing an insect from the ear of a human. A few drops drowns the bug, which can then be easily removed. Mineral oil is used as suspending and levigating agent in sulphur-based ointments.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} ==== Veterinary medicine ==== Certain mineral oils are used in livestock vaccines, as an [[adjuvant]] to stimulate a cell-mediated immune response to the vaccinating agent. In the poultry industry, plain mineral oil can also be swabbed onto the feet of chickens infected with scaly mites on the shank, toes, and webs. Mineral oil suffocates these tiny parasites. In beekeeping, food grade mineral oil saturated paper napkins placed in hives are used as a treatment for tracheal and other mites. === Cosmetics === Mineral oil is a commonly-found ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments and low-grade cosmetics as an alternative to more expensive oils. According to some sources, use of mineral oil cosmetics commonly leads to acne{{Fact|date=April 2008}}. It can be used on [[eyelash]]es to prevent brittleness and breaking and, in [[cold cream]], is also used to remove creme makeup and temporary tattoos. === Mechanical and industrial === Mineral oil is used in a variety of industrial/mechanical capacities as a non-conductive lubricant. Refined mineral oil is used as [[transformer oil]]. Electric space heaters sometimes use it as a heat-transfer oil, and it can be used generically as a coolant in electric components as it does not conduct electricity. Because it does not absorb water from the air, mineral oil can be used as an automotive, aviation, and bicycle [[brake fluid]]. Light mineral oil is also used in [[textile]] industries and used as a [[jute]] batching oil. ''See also [[Lubricant#Mineral oil | lubricant]]'' === Preservative === Since it does not absorb atmospheric moisture, mineral oil is useful as a protective coating or bath for water-sensitive materials. [[Alkali metal]]s like [[Lithium]] are often submerged in mineral oil for storage or transportation. Mineral oil is also often used as a coating on metal tools and weapons, knives in particular, as a way to inhibit [[oxidation]]. [[Nihonto]], for example, are traditionally coated in [[Choji oil]] which consists of 99% mineral oil and 1% [[oil of cloves]]. The use of oil of cloves is sometimes explained as a means of differentiating sword oil from cooking oil to prevent accidental ingestion, but may also be purely aesthetic. Mineral oil can be used as a leather conditioner as well, though most [[shoe polish]]es use [[naphtha]], [[lanolin]], [[turpentine]] and [[Carnauba wax]] instead. === Food preparation === Mineral oil's ability to prevent water absorption, combined with its lack of flavor and odor, make it a popular preservative for wooden [[cutting board]]s and [[List of food preparation utensils|utensils]]. Rubbing a small amount of mineral oil into a wooden cutting board periodically will prevent absorption of food odors and ease cleaning, as well as maintaining the integrity of the wood, which is otherwise subjected to repeated wetting and drying in the course of use. It is occasionally used in the food industry (particularly for candy). In this application, it is typically used for the glossy effect it produces, and to prevent the candy pieces from adhering to each other. Some studies suggest that prolonged use might be unhealthy because of low accumulation levels in organs.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} It has been discouraged for use in children's foods, though it is still occasionally found in candies in China and Canada.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} It can be used as a release agent for baking pans and trays, but food oils like [[vegetable oil]] are a more popular choice. === Cleaning === Mineral oil can be used to clean heavier oil stains by diluting and liquefying the other oils, rendering the oils more accessible to [[detergent]]s. Likewise, it can be employed to "de-gum", to remove adhesive residue left by price tags or adhesive tape. It can be used as a cleaner and solvent for inks in fine art printmaking as well as in oil painting, though [[turpentine]] is more often used. Mineral oil is also used in some guitar string cleaners, since it can help mobilize dirt and oil without contributing to the oxidization of the metal strings. Mineral oil can leave a residue, which is undesirable in some applications. ===Firespinning=== Mineral oil is the main fuel used by professional [[Firespinning|firespinners]] and [[Fire Breathing|firebreathers]]. It is chosen for its high [[flashpoint]] and low burning temperature. As a firebreathing fuel it is ideal because it will not tend to burn as a liquid, due to the high flashpoint, thus preventing blowback. === Miscellaneous === Mineral oil's ubiquity has led to its use in some niche applications as well. * Mineral oil is used to darken [[soapstone]] countertops for aesthetic purposes. * It is commonly used to create a "wear" effect on new clay poker chips, which can otherwise only be accomplished through prolonged use. The chips are either placed in mineral oil (and left there for a short amount of time), or the oil is applied to each chip individually, then rubbed clean. This removes any chalky residue leftover from manufacture, and also improves the look and "feel" of the chips.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} * It has a high refractive index, so it is sometimes used in [[oil immersion]] microscopes. * It is the main ingredient in some types of gel-type scented candles.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} * It is an effective pesticide, particularly for edible plants. It's effective against a wide range of insects and all stages of insect development.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} * Mineral Oil has been used to immerse computers in order to absorb heat and cool the system in some custom-built projects. * Mineral oil is used in some household cleaners but has been proven to have no real cleaning benefits.{{Fact|date=April 2008}} * It is sometimes used as a [[personal lubricant]] (although it is not safe for use with latex condoms), and as an alternative to plant or herbal oils for [[massage]]. == Other names == {{Unreferencedsection|date=March 2008}} The broad range of applications for mineral oil has resulted in an equally expansive list of application-specific names and trade brands. Other names for mineral oil include: * Adepsine oil * Albolene * Cable oil * Baby Oil * Drakeol * Electrical Insulating Oil * Heat-treating oil * [[Hydraulic]] oil * Lignite oil * Liquid [[paraffin]] * Mineral Seal Oil * [[Paraffin]] oil * Petrolatum * [[Petroleum]], liquid * White oil ==References== <!--See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the <ref> and </ref> tags and the tag below --> <references/> {{Citations missing|article|date=July 2007}} *[http://www.llnl.gov/es_and_h/hsm/doc_14.07/doc14-07.html Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory] - Safe handling of Alkali Metals *[http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v48aje08.htm FAO report on food safety of mineral oil, 1970] {{E number infobox 900-909}} [[Category:Laxatives]] [[Category:Petroleum products]] [[Category:Cosmetic chemicals]] [[Category:Lubricants]] [[Category:Oils]] [[Category:Coolants]] [[Category:Dielectrics]] [[de:Mineralöle]] [[et:Mineraalõli]] [[fr:Paraffine liquide]] [[hu:Ásványi olaj]] [[it:Olio minerale]] [[pt:Óleo mineral]] [[th:น้ำมันหล่อลื่นเครื่องยนต์]] [[pl:Olej mineralny]] [[sl:Mineralno olje]]