When most people think of petroleum jelly, they picture a small jar tucked into a medicine cabinet, used for soothing dry skin or healing minor cuts. However, this humble, waxy substance has a much broader role beyond skincare. In fact, it is a workhorse in many industrial sectors thanks to its unique chemical properties — it's stable, hydrophobic, non-toxic, and semi-solid at room temperature.
At Noorwax, we produce high-purity petroleum jelly for various applications across multiple industries. In this article, we’re shining a spotlight on 10 lesser-known but highly valuable industrial uses of petroleum jelly that might surprise you.
Petroleum jelly acts as a moisture barrier, making it an effective solution for preventing rust and corrosion on exposed metal components. It's commonly applied to tools, machinery parts, bolts, and even battery terminals to protect them in humid or marine environments.
Industry example: Automotive, shipping, heavy equipment manufacturing.
Petroleum jelly is used in cable jointing and sealing compounds to insulate and protect electrical wiring from moisture and contaminants. It provides dielectric properties, ensuring long-term performance and safety.
Industry example: Telecommunications, electrical engineering, power utilities.
As a low-friction lubricant, petroleum jelly helps in the assembly of tight-fitting mechanical components, such as gaskets, O-rings, and seals. It reduces wear and prevents rubber parts from cracking during installation.
Industry example: Automotive, aerospace, machinery manufacturing.
Petroleum jelly works as a release agent in the molding and casting process. It prevents materials like plaster, resin, or silicone from sticking to the molds, ensuring clean separation and high-quality finishes.
Industry example: Plastics, ceramics, prototyping, foundries.
In industrial environments where leather or rubber components are exposed to wear, petroleum jelly helps maintain flexibility and prevents cracking. It’s often applied to belts, seals, boots, and gloves to extend their life.
Industry example: Mining, heavy industry, agriculture.
Petroleum jelly is used to seal ground-glass joints in laboratories, ensuring air-tight and leak-proof connections between flasks and condensers. It remains chemically stable, even when exposed to many solvents.
Industry example: Chemical laboratories, pharmaceutical production, academic research.
Bolts and nuts exposed to harsh environments can seize up over time. Petroleum jelly is used as an anti-seize agent to make disassembly easier and reduce galling or thread damage.
Industry example: Construction, marine equipment, pipelines.
Petroleum jelly is used to clean, lubricate, and protect print rollers and ink systems in industrial printing. It prevents ink buildup and reduces mechanical friction, especially in offset and flexographic printing.
Industry example: Commercial printing, packaging, labeling.
During transport or storage, machined metal parts can develop oxidation. Petroleum jelly acts as a temporary protective layer, shielding precision parts from air and humidity.
Industry example: Precision engineering, CNC machining, tool & die.
Petroleum jelly is often used as a base or carrier for various industrial formulations, such as rust inhibitors, polishes, lubricating pastes, or cleaning products. It can be blended with solvents, oils, or additives to create custom compounds.
Industry example: Chemical manufacturing, metal treatment, specialty lubricants.
The widespread industrial use of petroleum jelly is largely due to its:
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