Chloe Adams
Candles are made up of three essential components: the wick, wax, and fragrance. The wick is typically made from absorbent fibres that draw the liquid wax upwards through capillary action. The wax, or fuel, is often derived from paraffin, beeswax, soy, palm, gels, or synthesized materials. The fragrance is released as the wax is heated and begins to melt, with the scent growing stronger as more wax liquefies. The colour of a candle is determined by dyes or pigments, which are added to the wax. Additionally, the flame of a candle can be divided into five zones based on temperature and oxygen levels, with the hottest part reaching 1,400 °C.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, palm, soy, rapeseed, gels, synthesized fuels, tallow, spermaceti wax |
| Wick | Naturally absorbent, made of cotton, glass fiber, or twine |
| Colourant | Dyes, pigments |
| Fragrance | 75-80% of candles sold in the US are scented |
| Light | 13 lumens |
| Luminous efficacy | 0.16 lumens per watt |
| Radiant flux | 18.40 mW |
| Luminous intensity | 1 candela |
| Temperature | 600-1400 °C (1112-2550 °F) |
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What You'll Learn
Candle wax
The wax is a crucial component of a candle, as it is the fuel itself that allows the candle to burn. When a candle is lit, the heat from the flame melts the wax, which is then absorbed by the wick through capillary action. The absorbed wax is vaporised, turning into a hot gas that burns and keeps the candle alight. The wax also cools the wick as it vaporises, preventing it from burning away too quickly. The rate at which a candle burns depends on the type of wax used, with candles made from different waxes burning at different rates and temperatures.
The term "wax" is used as a generic classification for materials that are solid at room temperature and liquid at higher temperatures. Candle waxes can be derived from a variety of sources, including animals, insects, plants, and rocks. Over time, the development of new waxes has been influenced by the availability and ease of processing of raw materials, as well as the desirability of the wax compared to other options.
Throughout history, candle wax has been made from a variety of fats, oils, and waxy substances. Ancient civilisations often relied on locally available raw materials, such as tallow rendered from animals by the Ancient Egyptians and Early Romans. In China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), beeswax was used for candles, and by the 12th century, candle wax derived from the Coccos pella insect was developed. In early Japan, extracts from tree nuts were used, while Indians boiled the fruit of the cinnamon tree to create candle wax.
Today, there are many different types of candle waxes available, including paraffin, soy, coconut, beeswax, apricot, vegetable, palm, gels, and synthetic waxes, as well as blends of these waxes. Paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct, is the most commonly used candle wax worldwide due to its ability to burn cleanly, safely, and in the same manner as other waxes. However, it should be noted that paraffin wax can release harmful chemicals when burned, and natural alternatives like soy or coconut wax are considered cleaner options.
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Wicks
The wick is a crucial component of a candle, responsible for delivering fuel (wax) to the flame. It acts as a fuel pump, drawing the liquefied wax upwards into the flame to burn through capillary action. The diameter of the wick is the primary factor influencing the height of the candle flame. Different wick sizes enable varying amounts of fuel to reach the flame. A larger diameter wick results in a larger flame, a more extensive pool of melted wax, and a faster-burning candle. Conversely, a smaller wick may cause the flame to sputter out.
Cored wicks are another type of wick that utilises a core material to maintain the wick's upright position during burning. The use of different core materials results in varying degrees of stiffness. Stiffeners, such as fine wire (e.g. copper), paper, or synthetic fibres, are incorporated into the wick to direct it to remain upright, allowing fuel to reach the flame more effectively. Wooden wicks have gained popularity in recent years due to their visual appeal and the soft crackling sound they produce. They are available in various shapes and sizes, made from materials such as 100% wood, semi-wood, fibrous material, or cotton and wood combinations.
The selection of the correct wick is critical to ensuring the candle burns cleanly and properly. Reputable candle manufacturers carefully choose the appropriate wick size, shape, and material to meet the burn requirements of a specific candle. Factors such as wax type, candle size, shape, colour, and fragrance load all influence the choice of wick.
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Fragrance
The addition of fragrance to a candle is a common practice in the United States, with an estimated 75 to 80 percent of candles sold in the U.S. being scented. The fragrance is an essential component of a candle, alongside the wick and wax.
When a candle is burned, the molecules of the fragrance are heated, which causes them to emit an aroma. The scent will grow stronger as more wax melts, meaning that larger candles will release more scent. The strength of a candle's fragrance is referred to as its hot and cold throw. The cold throw is the strength of the fragrance before the candle is lit, while the hot throw is the strength of the scent when heat is applied.
The type of fragrance used in a candle can vary, and it is often a key factor in the candle's overall aroma. Fragrances can be natural or synthetic, and they can be derived from a variety of sources, such as essential oils, absolutes, or fragrance oils. Natural fragrances are typically derived from plant sources, such as flowers, fruits, or herbs, while synthetic fragrances are created in a lab and can mimic a wide range of scents, including those that are difficult to obtain naturally, like chocolate or vanilla.
The fragrance of a candle can also be enhanced by the addition of colourants. Colourants can be in the form of dyes or pigments. Dyes are available in both liquid and powder forms and give the candle a translucent colour. They provide the candlemaker with a high degree of control over the shade. Pigments, on the other hand, are microscopic colour particles that create a solid wall of colour, similar to paint. They are less susceptible to colour fade than dyes but may clog the wick if burned, so they are more suitable for coating the outside of the candle.
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Candle flame
The candle flame has five distinct zones, each with its own unique characteristics and temperature range. The first zone, Zone I, is the coolest part of the flame, with temperatures reaching around 600 °C (1,112 °F). This zone is located around the base of the wick, where there is insufficient oxygen for the fuel to burn completely.
Zone II, also known as the blue zone, surrounds the base of the flame. Here, the oxygen supply is plentiful, allowing the fuel to burn clean and blue. This zone generates enough heat to melt the wax, with temperatures reaching approximately 800 °C (1,470 °F).
The third zone, or the dark zone, is situated directly above the wick. This region contains unburnt wax, and pyrolysis occurs here. The temperature in this zone climbs to about 1,000 °C (1,830 °F).
Zone IV, also known as the luminous zone, is the brightest part of the flame. It is located above the dark zone and exhibits a yellow or white colour. This zone has insufficient oxygen to burn all the wax vapour rising from below, resulting in partial combustion. The temperature in this zone is around 1,200 °C (2,190 °F).
Finally, Zone V is the hottest part of the candle flame, reaching temperatures of about 1,400 °C (2,550 °F). This outer zone, or veil, surrounds Zone IV and is where complete combustion occurs. It appears light blue, although most of it is invisible to the naked eye. The height of the candle flame is primarily determined by the diameter of the wick.
The colour of the candle flame is influenced by the type of wax used. Waxes derived from hydrocarbons, such as paraffin, soy, coconut, beeswax, and vegetable waxes, burn with a yellow flame due to the presence of carbon. The luminous yellow colour is a result of radiative emission from hot soot particles formed through complex chemical reactions.
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Candle dyes and colourants
Liquid dyes are a popular choice due to their ease of use and versatility. They are highly concentrated, requiring only a few drops to achieve a wide range of colours. This makes them ideal for both single-colour candles and blending multiple shades. Liquid dyes offer precise colour control and easy blending, making them a favourite among hobbyists and professional candlemakers alike.
Candle dye blocks, on the other hand, are perfect for achieving rich, deep, and consistent colours in larger batches. They are easy to use, providing vibrant and long-lasting colour. To use dye blocks, one simply needs to shave or cut the block into small pieces and add them to the melted wax. This method ensures a uniform colour throughout the candle, making it a preferred choice for larger-scale projects.
The choice between liquid dyes and dye blocks depends on the candlemaker's preference and project requirements. Both options are safe and effective for various types of wax, including soy, paraffin, and beeswax. Mixing different dyes allows for custom colours and unique shades, further enhancing the creative possibilities.
High-quality candle dyes are crafted with carefully selected ingredients to ensure vibrant and consistent colours across batches. Reputable manufacturers work closely with colourant companies to develop colour formulations that match the burn characteristics of the candle, ensuring a seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality.
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Frequently asked questions
A candle has three essential components: the wick, wax, and fragrance.
A candle wick is an absorbent component of a candle that pulls the liquid wax upwards by capillary action. The wick works together with the wax to keep the candle lit.
Candle wax is made from a variety of fats, oils, and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants, and rocks. The most common type of candle wax is paraffin wax, a hydrocarbon and petroleum byproduct. Other types of candle wax include beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes.
Scented candles are candles that have been fragranced with aromatic compounds. When the candle is lit, the heat of the flame causes the fragrance molecules to emit an aroma. It is estimated that 75 to 80 percent of candles sold in the United States are scented.
