Reporter: Cabangal, Erwin Cayl P.

Date Performed: October 19,2017

Section: 3ChE-C Date Submitted: December 18, 2017

Experiment No. 4 : Candle-making

Introduction
Candles are made from many different products, but predominantly paraffin wax is the
most common candle material. Paraffin wax was originally called petroleum wax when it was
discovered in 1830 as a petroleum by-product created from the sludge waste found at the bottom
of the barrel when crude oil is refined into gasoline. Its use was restricted for about two decades
after it’s discovery, due to it’s toxic nature when burned.
However, in the 1850s, chemists learned how to efficiently separate the naturally occurring
waxy substance from petroleum and “refine it” into what they now called paraffin – at that point
declaring it safe to burn and be used as candles.
Paraffin wax is mostly found as a white, odorless, tasteless, waxy solid, with a typical
melting point between about 46 and 68 °C (115 and 154 °F), its boiling point is >370 °C (698 °F),
and a density of around 900 kg/m3. It is insoluble in water, but soluble in ether, benzene, and
certain esters. Paraffin is unaffected by most common chemical reagents but burns readily. Of all
other wax, paraffin wax is the cheapest. These properties of paraffin wax make it suitable for it to
be used in candle making.
The objective of this experiment is to be able to handle wax, specifically paraffin wax,
and transform it into a useful product which is a candle. It also aims to know how a candle is
processed and test if the candle produced functions like those commercial candles.
Methodology
In this experiment, a candle must be produced from the available materials. These raw
materials are paraffin wax flakes, pre-waxed candle wicks, containers for candles, non-toxic
crayon, essential oils BBQ skewers, and glass jars. The equipment and apparatus needed are hot
plate, top-loading balance, 250 mL beaker, 1000 mL beaker, metal spatula and grater.
First, an amount of paraffin wax in pellets was measured in the top-loading balance.
Additional wax from a candle was used as fillers. The candle was grated to obtain wax flakes. The
resulting flakes was weighed and was combined after with the paraffin wax pellets in a 1000 mL
beaker. The total weight of the wax mixture was also determined. Then, the wax was heated using
a hot plate. The temperature was regulated as no to burn the wax easily. It was also being stirred
while melting. After the wax has been melted, a milky white liquid was produced. The melted wax
was divided equally into three beakers. Three different crayons of small amounts were weighed.
The weighed crayons were added in each beaker having different color per beaker. It was melted
and being stirred along with the wax. After getting different colors of wax, the wax was removed
in the hot plate. To have a fragrant candle, 10 drops of essential oil were added and stirred in the
wax. The candlewicks was set up. The candle wick was put into the container or the molder. It was
ensured that the metal piece was laid at the bottom and was positioned at the center. A BBQ skewer
was used to hold up the wicks on top. After this, the fragranced wax was put into the container.
The first color of wax was cooled first before adding the next color. The resulting candle is a three-
layered candle with three different colors.

Results and Discussion

Table 1: The raw materials and its amount in grams
Raw Materials Weight (g) Percent (%)
Paraffin Wax 72 g 36.24 %
Commercial Candle Wax 124.67 g 62.75 %
Colors: (list if more than 1) Red- 0.5 g 0.76 %
Orange- 0.5
Yellow – 0.5 g
Fragrance or Essence Rosemary – 0.5 g 0.25 %
Total Weight 198.67 g 100 %

In creating the candle, the following materials are used: paraffin wax flakes, pre-waxed
candle wicks, commercial candles, containers for candles, non-toxic crayons, essential oils BBQ
skewers, and glass jars. The amount of materials used and its percentage are shown in Table 1.

1. How is paraffin wax manufactured? What is the starting material used?

Paraffin wax is a substance that is derived from petroleum, coal or oil shale. A petroleum
paraffin wax is manufactured by the following 4 processes: (1) production of slack waxes
petrolatums by dewaxing petroleum products, (2) de-oiling and fractional crystallization of slack
waxes and petrolatums, (3) purification of crude paraffin waxes, and (4) lending of paraffin wax
with additives.
2. What are the other industrial uses of Paraffin wax?
Aside from candle industry, paraffin waxes has a wide number of applications in other
industries. In electrical appliances, paraffin is used to insulate electric nodes and appliances
wirings. In agriculture, paraffin and special mixtures are uses in the fertilizer industries as anti-
caking additives. In Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics, paraffin is used to coat tablets to protect their
surfaces. In crayons industry, paraffin serves as one of their raw materials. In matches, addition of
paraffin component in the matchstick box lightening strips helps regulate their burning. Other
industries which paraffin wax is used are paper, fabric, and rubber industry.
3. Give some precautions in making candles.
Candle making can be dangerous if taken not seriously. Some incidence like getting
burned, splashing of hot wax in the eyes, skin, or mouth, ingesting the wax, and worst that could
happen is a fire incidence. To prevent this from happening, first from the list is wear safety lab
gowns and goggles at all times. Use potholders when touching hot materials. Don’t leave melting
wax unwatched. Don’t play with the melting wax. Don’t allow any wax near an open flame.
Remember that paraffin wax is flammable and could cause fire.
4. Are there tips you can give to be able to make good paraffin wax candles?
Never use more than the suggested amount of fragrance. Follow the rule of thumb in adding
fragrance and that is 10 drops of essential oil or essence per 500 grams of wax. Over addition of
essential oil can affect the burning quality of the product. It is also recommended to know the
boiling point of paraffin wax. Use the thermometer to check the temperature of the melting wax
so as to control the heat and to prevent it from getting burned.
5. What cause a candle to smoke? Is the candle soot harmful?
Small amounts of smoke and soot are natural parts of the burning process but excessive
smoke and soot are evidence of an incomplete chemical reaction that could be caused by a variety
of factors. One factor is the amount of fragrance oil used. Wax has a fragrance load limit and if
over added, it can cause candle to smoke. Another reason could be the wick. A smoking wick will
occur if the wick of the candle is too large for the container. The candle soot that is produced can
be said harmful and could be as toxic as those from cigarettes. A research study showed that
paraffin-based candles produce several chemicals, mainly because they do not burn at a high
enough temperature to destroy the hazardous molecules they emit.
6. Does the industry have standard for candles?
Yes, like any other products, candles have also standards for a good quality product. The
wick of the candle should be positioned in the center. The candle surface should be free of bubbles,
cracks, chip and damage. The candle needs to have the required color shade and intensity specific
for each manufacturer. After being lit, the candle has to show a bright, and calm flame. The flame
burns without visible /with very minimal release of soot.
7. What kind of label information is needed for candles?
Every candle should have a cautionary label or tag listing the three key rule for candle
fire-safety. Statements like burn within sight, keep away from things that catch fire, and keep
away from children are what is seen commonly in many candles.
8. What sort of chemical reactions occur when a candle burns?
The light coming from a candle comes from a chemical reaction known as combustion in
which the wax reacts with oxygen in the air producing a colorless gas called carbon dioxide. Water
is also produced in the form of steam. The combustion reaction that takes place in a burning candle
is:
 C20H42 + O2  CO2 + H2O
Conclusion
In conclusion, the objectives of the experiment were met in which a candle was produced
using paraffin wax and fillers as the main raw materials. The candle was put in a test and the result
is that it can light up after being lit. The product produced is comparable those candles that is
commercially marketed. This is because it has the same raw material used and the process is also
similar. It undergoes three basic processes: heating, mixing, and cooling. The heating process is
for melting the wax; the mixing is for the additives and the wax to be homogeneous, and cooling,
for the wax to solidify.
In doing this experiment, do take note of the precautions to avoid any incidence. It is also
recommended to have a flake-like wax as it is easier to melt. To improve the product, it is
recommended to add other additives in the process. One is Stearic acid. It is the only known
hardening agent for paraffin. This acid raises the bending or softening point and lowers the melting
point, thus enabling the candle to last longer. Another type of wax called beeswax can be added to
the paraffin to improve its color and the burning time. Also, beeswax has the ability to improve
the fragrance of the candle as it is naturally fragranted. A substance called petrolatum is also added
to candles to increase its oil content and make it creamier so that it will adhere to containers.

References
[1] Bayquen, C. (2007). Industrial chemical processes (Book 2). Manila, Philippines: University
of Santo Tomas Publishing House.
[2] Freund,M (1982) Parffin Products Properties, Technologies, Applications. Development in
Petroleum Science. Vol 14, pp 3-335
[3] Are Your Candles Toxic? A Closer Look at Paraffin Wax. Retrieved from http://domestic
geekgirl.com/health-home/candles-toxic-closer-look-paraffin-wax/
[4] Candle Smoking? Retrieved from http://www.naturesgardencandles.com/blog/candle-
smoking/
[5] Candles are Labeled for Fire Safety. Retrieved from http://candles.org/fire-safety-
candles/read-the-label/
[6] Candles Quality Assurance. Retrieved from http://www.guetezeichen-kerzen.de/RAL-
GZ041_guetezeichen-kerzen_en.pdf