Reporter: Cabangal, Erwin Cayl P.

Date Performed: October 19,2017

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

Experiment No. 4 : Candle-making

Introduction
Para

Methodology
In this experiment, a candle must be produced from the available materials. These raw
materials are paraffin wax flakes, pre-waxed candle wickes, 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 flakes was measured.

Results and Discussion

Raw Materials Weight (g) Percent (%)

Paraffin Wax
Colors: (list if more than 1)
Fragrance or Essence
Total Weight

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

Paraffin wax is a subatance 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 speical 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 happerning, first from the list is wear safety lab
gowns ang goggles at all times. Use potholders when touching hot materials. Don’t leave metling
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. Overaddition 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 soor 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
overadded, 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 sutdy 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 froom 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 canlde 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 making candles, there are things to be considered. First is the

References

Freund,M (1982) Parffin Products Properties, Technologies, Applications. Development in

Petroleum Science. Vol 14, pp 3-335

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S037673610870147X
http://www.kplintl.com/blog/commercial-uses-of-paraffin-wax/
http://www.onestopcandle.com/candle/cansafetyinstr.php
http://www.candlesoylutions.com/custompage.asp?page=Safety
http://candles.org/fire-safety-candles/read-the-label/
https://www.hunker.com/13411111/what-causes-black-smoke-when-burning-candles
http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/health/news-candle-smoke-could-be-as-toxic-as-
cigarettes/
http://www.naturesgardencandles.com/blog/candle-smoking/
http://www.guetezeichen-kerzen.de/RAL-GZ041_guetezeichen-kerzen_en.pdf