Brooke Martin
Candles are made from wax, which is considered a compound. The four most common types of candle wax are beeswax, paraffin, soy, and vegetable wax. The main component of a candle is its wick, which is made from braided, plaited, or knitted fibres. The wick is responsible for drawing the liquid wax upwards while the candle is burning. The heat of the flame vaporizes the wax, and it is this wax vapour that burns. Candles also emit volatile organic compounds, releasing carbon into the air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A candle is an ignitable wick embedded in wax or another flammable solid substance such as tallow. |
| Composition | A candle is made up of a wick and wax, which acts as fuel. |
| Types of wax | Paraffin wax, beeswax, microcrystalline wax, gel, plant waxes, stearin, etc. |
| Types of wick | Flat wicks, plaited or knitted wicks, metal-cored wicks, paper wicks, cotton wicks, etc. |
| Combustion process | The wick of a candle is lit, melting and igniting the wax, which then vaporises and combines with oxygen to form a flame. |
| By-products | Candles emit volatile organic compounds, light, heat, carbon dioxide, water vapour and soot. |
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What You'll Learn
What are candles made of?
Candles are made of wax, or another flammable solid such as tallow, with an embedded wick. The wax is often a petroleum-based substance, such as paraffin wax, derived from crude oil. This wax is a heavy hydrocarbon, which is solid at room temperature but melts when lit, and then re-solidifies when the temperature drops. The wick is usually made from braided, plaited, or knitted fibres, and it is important that it is absorbent, to soak up the liquid wax and move it upwards while the candle is burning.
There are many different types of wax that can be used to make candles. Alternatives to paraffin wax include beeswax, soy wax, and vegetable wax. Beeswax is the most traditional method of candle-making, but it is expensive, so historically, its use was limited to elites and churches. Soy wax is a plant-based option, made from soybeans, while vegetable wax is made from plant-based oils. Vegetable waxes may contain stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid found in some plants and animals.
In the Far East, stillingia tallow and Japan wax from plants have been used for centuries, as has Chinese wax, produced from insects. Other candle waxes can be made from palm, coconut, carnauba, bayberry, or rapeseed. Ancient civilisations often relied on the raw materials they had to hand, with the Ancient Egyptians and Early Romans using animal fats (tallow) to make candles.
Candles can also be made from gels, a mixture of polymer and mineral oil, or from synthetic and chemically synthesized fuels, including gels, developed for specialty candle uses.
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What is candle wax made of?
Candle wax is made from a variety of substances, including fats, oils, and waxy materials derived from animals, insects, plants, and rocks. The term "wax" is used as a generic classification for materials that are solid at room temperature and liquid at higher temperatures. Ancient civilizations, such as the Ancient Egyptians and Early Romans, relied on tallow rendered from animals to create candle wax.
Over time, candle-making has evolved, and today, there are various types of wax commonly used for candle-making. The most popular type of candle wax is paraffin wax, which is derived from the refining of crude oil. Paraffin wax is a heavy hydrocarbon that is solid at room temperature and melts when a candle is lit. It is widely used due to its affordability, availability, and ability to hold fragrances and colours. However, it is less eco-friendly than some alternative waxes.
Another popular option for candle wax is soy wax, which is made from soybeans. Soy wax is a renewable resource that offers a slow, steady burn and is more environmentally friendly than paraffin wax. It is also known for its versatility, as it can be used straight or blended with other natural oils or mixed with paraffin to form a parasoy wax. However, there are some concerns about the soybean industry's impact on deforestation and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Beeswax is another type of candle wax that has been used for centuries. It is produced by bees during the honey-making process and is known for its subtly sweet natural scent and harder texture, making it ideal for crafting freestanding pillar candles. However, beeswax is used in smaller quantities due to its poor availability and higher price point.
Other types of candle wax include coconut wax, palm wax, gels, synthetic waxes, and customized wax blends. These waxes offer varying benefits, such as sustainability, burn time, and fragrance throw, allowing candle-makers and consumers to choose the wax that best fits their preferences and needs.
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What is a wick?
A wick is an essential component of a candle. It is made of absorbent materials, such as cotton, paper, or cord, and is braided or knitted to encourage a slow and consistent burn. The wick's absorbency is crucial as it absorbs and pulls the liquified wax upward towards the flame, where it then vaporizes and combusts. The size of the wick, including its diameter and thickness, is important as it determines the amount of fuel brought to the flame, influencing the size of the flame and the burn rate of the candle.
The type of wick used depends on the candle's fuel, size, shape, colour, and fragrance. Flat wicks, for example, are commonly used in taper and pillar candles as they burn consistently and self-trim by curling into the flame. Wicks can also be braided flat to achieve this self-consuming property. The stiffness of the wick is another important characteristic as it allows the wick to stand out of the liquid wax and conduct heat downward, melting the wax more efficiently.
Historically, wicks were made from a variety of materials. The ancient Egyptians used plant and animal-based waxes, while the Chinese used rice paper wicks with wax made from insects and seeds. Rushlights and rush candles used rush-pith for wicks, and in some cases, even asbestos was used. Today, candle wicks are primarily made from braided cotton, although other materials such as wood and string are still used, albeit rarely.
Creating a candle wick at home involves measuring and cutting twine to be three to four inches longer than the height of the candle. The twine is then coated in wax and hung to dry. It is important to straighten the wick as the wax cools to ensure it is completely straight when dry. Choosing the correct wick is critical to ensure the candle burns properly, with a consistent flame size, minimal blooming, and a well-formed wax pool.
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How does a candle work?
A candle is a simple yet fascinating lighting system. It consists of two main parts: the fuel (or wax) and the wick.
The wax is typically made from paraffin, a heavy hydrocarbon derived from crude oil, though historically, it was often tallow rendered from animals. Other natural waxes include beeswax, soy, palm, and rapeseed oil. The wick is usually made from braided, plaited, or knitted fibres, which encourage a slow and consistent burn.
When a candle is lit, the heat of the flame melts the wax near the wick, which is naturally absorbent. The wick then absorbs the liquid wax and pulls it upward through capillary action. The heat of the flame also vaporises the liquid wax, turning it into a hot gas. This vapour then reaches its ignition temperature, causing it to burn and keep the candle burning.
The vapourised wax molecules are drawn into the flame, where they react with oxygen from the air. This reaction produces heat, light, water vapour, and carbon dioxide. The heat radiates in all directions, melting more wax to sustain the combustion process. The flame's temperature varies, with the blue area at the base being the hottest, followed by a small dark orange-brown section, and the large yellow region that is typically associated with candle flames.
The reason the wick doesn't burn up immediately is that the vaporising wax cools it down and protects it. The liquid wax moves upward within the wick, ensuring that only a small amount of wax at the top is hot enough to vaporise and burn.
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Are candles safe?
Candles are made from wax and a wick, and sometimes include colourants and fragrances. The wax is the fuel, and there are many different types, including beeswax, paraffin wax, soy wax, vegetable wax, and stearin. The wick is typically made from braided, plaited, or knitted fibres, and its purpose is to draw the wax fuel up to the flame.
The safety of candles depends on the materials used, the way they are burned, and the environment in which they are burned.
Firstly, the materials used to make candles can affect their safety. For example, candles with metal-core wicks should be made with zinc or tin, as these metals have been proven to be safe and non-toxic. The type of wax can also impact safety. Paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, releases potentially dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates when burned. However, candles made from natural sources such as beeswax, soy wax, or other plant-based waxes are considered safer and release fewer harmful chemicals. These natural candles are also biodegradable. That being said, it is important to note that not all VOCs are harmful, and many fragrance ingredients in candles are identical to VOCs found in nature. To ensure safety, fragrance formulas are reviewed against standards established by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA).
Secondly, the way a candle is burned can impact its safety. For example, burning a candle in a drafty area or allowing the wick to become too long can cause the flame to be disturbed, leading to the release of small amounts of unburned carbon particles (soot). To minimise soot, it is recommended to trim the wick if it becomes longer than 5 to 10 millimetres. Instead of blowing out the candle, it is also better to use a candle snuffer or dip the wick in wax.
Lastly, the environment in which a candle is burned can affect its safety. Burning a candle in a well-ventilated area is important, as it helps to minimise the impact of any potentially harmful chemicals released during burning.
In conclusion, while candles can be safe when made with non-toxic materials and burned properly, it is important to take precautions to ensure their safe use. This includes choosing candles made from natural waxes, ensuring proper wick length, avoiding drafty areas, and ventilating the room after extinguishing the candle.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are made of wax, a wick, and sometimes colourants and fragrances. The wax is often paraffin, beeswax, or soy wax, and the wick is usually made from braided, plaited, or knitted fibres.
When a candle burns, volatile organic compounds are emitted, including carbon, light, heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. The blue colour in the flame is due to chemiluminescence, while the yellow colour comes from radiative emission from hot soot particles.
Inhaling candle fragrances at high doses can be unsafe. However, non-toxic candles made from toxin-free ingredients are available as an alternative.
