Jessie Taylor
Candles are made from different types of wax, which have different melting points and burn rates. The type of wax, size and shape of the candle, and the size and material of the wick all influence how quickly a candle burns. Highly fragranced candles, for example, tend to burn faster because the wax contains more fragrance oil, which softens the wax and makes it easier to melt. In this experiment, we will test which candle burns the fastest by comparing different types of candle wax and wicks to understand how melting points influence candle burn time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax type | Paraffin wax burns faster than soy wax or beeswax |
| Wick size | A thicker wick provides a larger flame and a quicker burn |
| Wick material | The material of the wick, such as cotton, wood, or other materials, can affect burning speed |
| Wick length | A longer wick creates a larger flame and burns more wax |
| Candle size and shape | Taller candles with smaller diameters burn faster than wider candles due to larger surface area exposed to the flame |
| Additives | Candles with additives to enhance scent or colour may burn faster or slower depending on the additive |
| Storage conditions | Storing candles in a cool, dry place prevents premature melting and maintains burn quality |
| Environment | Drafts from windows or fans increase burn speed, while calm, still air is best for a clean burn |
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What You'll Learn
The effect of candle shape and size
The size and shape of a candle can significantly impact its burn rate. Taller candles with smaller diameters tend to burn faster than wider candles due to their smaller surface area. The larger the surface area of the candle, the longer it will take to burn. Therefore, a larger, wider candle with a larger surface area for the wax to pool will result in a slower burn. Conversely, tall, thin candles have a smaller surface area and less wax to burn through, resulting in a faster burn.
The type of wax used in a candle also affects its burn rate. Different waxes have different melting points, and those with higher melting points take longer to turn into a liquid. For example, paraffin wax, a common candle component due to its low cost and ease of manufacturing, has a low melting point and burns faster than natural waxes like beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax. These natural waxes are denser, resulting in a slower, longer burn.
Additionally, the size and type of wick can influence a candle's burn rate. A larger or thicker wick produces a larger flame, causing the candle to burn faster. Conversely, a wick that is too small can lead to tunnelling, where the candle burns down the centre, leaving unused wax on the sides. Manufacturers may purposely use oversized wicks so that consumers go through their candles faster and repurchase sooner.
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The influence of wick size
The size of a candle's wick plays a significant role in determining its burn rate. A thicker or larger wick will produce a larger flame, resulting in a quicker burn as more wax is melted by the increased heat. Conversely, a smaller wick will burn slower, as a smaller flame is generated. However, if the wick is too small, it can lead to an issue called "tunneling," where the candle burns down the center, leaving unused wax on the sides. Therefore, achieving the optimal wick size is crucial for a candle's performance.
To avoid tunneling and ensure an even burn, it is recommended to let the wax melt all the way across the top of the candle during the first burn before extinguishing it. Trimming the wick to a length of about a quarter of an inch before each use can also help slow down the burn rate and prevent an "aggressive candle burn." This phenomenon occurs when a long wick creates a larger flame, burning more wax and resulting in a faster decrease in the candle's volume.
The material of the wick also influences the burning speed. Common wick materials include cotton, wood, or more exotic options. However, the specific impact of wick material on burn rate requires further exploration.
Candle manufacturers may purposely use oversized wicks to increase the burn rate, prompting consumers to repurchase candles sooner. Therefore, consumers should be cautious and take steps to slow down the burn rate, such as trimming the wick and avoiding placing candles in drafty areas, as drafts can cause the flame to flicker and burn more intensely.
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Comparing paraffin and soy wax
The type of wax used in a candle significantly affects its burn rate. Soy wax and paraffin wax are two popular options for candle-making, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages.
Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is a clean-burning fuel source, meeting federal regulations and is also colorless. Soy wax is known for its slower burn time and ability to hold scent and color well, resulting in vibrant and fragrant candles. It is also easier to clean up than paraffin wax, as soap and water can be used. Soy wax is more expensive than paraffin wax due to being made from renewable resources. It is a popular choice for those seeking a natural, eco-friendly, and longer-lasting candle option.
Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is made from petroleum byproducts and has a relatively low melting point of 48 to 66 degrees Celsius. It is a natural, non-toxic, and non-reactive product. Paraffin wax holds fragrance better than soy wax, resulting in a stronger scent throw. It is also more affordable and has a longer burn time, making it a cost-effective option. Additionally, its higher melting point allows for the creation of candles with complex shapes and sizes. However, one of the main drawbacks of paraffin wax is that it can release toxins into the air when burned, which can be harmful.
While soy wax offers a slower burn time and eco-friendly benefits, paraffin wax provides a stronger scent throw and is more affordable with a longer burn time. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the consumer.
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The use of candle warmers
Candle warmers are electric devices that heat candles or scented wax to release fragrance without the use of an open flame. They typically use a hot plate or an overhead lamp as the heat source and include a stand or tray for the candle jar or wax. Candle warmers are safer than burning candles with an open flame, as they eliminate many fire hazards. Additionally, they can be left unattended for long periods, making them convenient for use when away from home.
Candle warmers are also useful for candles that have been burned down to the point where the wicks can no longer be lit, as the warmer can help extend the life of the candle. They can also be used with wax melts, which are small cubes of scented wax that can be placed on a heated plate to release fragrance. This allows for easy scent customisation and a stronger fragrance as the wax is heated directly.
While candle warmers improve indoor air quality by removing soot and smoke, they do not eliminate all emissions. A study by Purdue University found that warming terpene-rich wax melts generated secondary organic aerosol nanoparticles. Additionally, vegetable-wax candles should not be overheated as they can pressurise and crack their jars.
The type of candle warmer varies, with some having adjustable heights and heat strengths, as well as timers. These features allow for customisation and control over the warming process, making candle warmers a versatile option for enjoying candles and scented wax.
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The science behind candles
Candles are more complex than they seem, with centuries of scientific inquiry behind them. The combustion process of a candle involves chemistry and physics, with the wax, wick, and fragrance all playing a role in how the candle burns.
The first step in understanding the science of candles is to know their basic components. At its simplest, a candle is made up of a wick, wax, and sometimes fragrance. The wick is key to the candle's function, as it draws the liquid wax upwards through capillary action. The type of wick is important, with natural wicks like organic cotton providing a cleaner burn and metal wicks potentially causing health concerns.
The wax is the fuel of the candle, and different types of wax have different properties. All waxes are hydrocarbons, composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. The melting point of the wax determines how quickly the candle will burn, with higher melting points requiring more heat to become liquid. For example, paraffin wax has a low melting point and burns faster than soy or beeswax.
The size and shape of the candle also influence burn time. Taller candles with smaller diameters tend to burn faster, as they have a larger surface area exposed to the flame. Additionally, the size of the wick matters, with larger wicks producing larger flames that cause the candle to burn faster.
Proper candle care and storage can also impact burn time. Trimming the wick before each burn and storing candles in a cool, dark place can help extend their life.
Finally, the fragrance of a candle is an important part of its appeal. The strength of a candle's scent is referred to as its hot and cold throw, with the hot throw being the strength of the scent when heat is applied. The characteristics of the fragrance can change depending on the length of time the candle is burned due to the different notes in the fragrance.
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Frequently asked questions
Paraffin wax, a common candle wax, has a low melting point and tends to burn faster than other types of wax like beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax.
Yes, taller candles with smaller diameters generally burn faster than wider candles. This is because the surface area exposed to the flame is smaller, creating a wider melt pool faster.
Yes, a thicker wick will provide a larger flame and, in turn, a quicker burn. Many manufacturers purposely oversize their wicks so that you go through your candle faster and buy a new one sooner.
Yes, drafts from windows, fans, or air conditioning can cause the flame to flicker and burn more intensely. If a candle is placed in a location where it's exposed to heat, the wax will melt more quickly.
