Investigating the Chemistry of Handmade Soy Wax Candles

Introduction:

Candles have been utilised for centuries, serving not only as a source of light but also as
decorative items. Traditional candles often contain paraffin wax, derived from petroleum,
which may emit harmful substances when burned. In contrast, soy wax, obtained from
soybean oil, has gained popularity due to its renewable nature and cleaner-burning
properties. This investigation aims to explore the chemistry behind the production of
handmade candles using soy wax and understand the chemical reactions involved during
their burning process.

Materials and Methods:

➔ Soy wax flakes

➔ Candle wicks
➔ Essential oils
➔ Glass containers
➔ Thermometer
➔ Double boiler
➔ Stirring utensil
➔ Weighing scale

Procedure:

1. Measure the desired amount of soy wax flakes using a weighing scale (approximately
1kg used).

2. Melt the soy wax flakes using a double boiler or microwave, maintaining a
temperature around 160-180°F (71-82°C) to prevent overheating and degradation.

3. Prepare the glass containers by securing the wicks at the centre and ensuring they
remain upright during pouring.

4. Add approximately 10 ml of essential oils to the melted soy wax for fragrance.

5. Once the wax reaches the appropriate temperature, carefully pour it into the
prepared 180ml containers, resulting in 7 candles.

6. Allow the candles to cool and solidify at room temperature for several hours.
Results and Discussion:

During the candle-making process, soy wax undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid
when exposed to heat. This transformation is due to the wax's melting point being lower
than the boiling point of the compounds it contains, primarily triglycerides, which comprise
the majority of soybean oil. The triglycerides in soy wax consist of fatty acids, namely stearic,
oleic, and linoleic acids.
Upon burning the handmade soy wax candles, several chemical reactions occur. The wick,
typically made of cotton, serves as the fuel source. As the wick burns, it vaporises and
decomposes the surrounding wax. The heat from the flame melts the solid wax near the
wick, allowing capillary action to draw liquid wax to the flame's vicinity. This liquid wax
then vaporises and combusts, producing heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water vapour.

The chemical reaction involved in the combustion of soy wax can be represented as follows:

𝑆𝑜𝑦 𝑊𝑎𝑥 (𝐶𝑛𝐻2𝑛+1𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻) + 𝑂2 → 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑏𝑜𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑒(𝐶𝑂2) + 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟(𝐻2𝑂) + 𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡

Breaking down the equation:

➔ 𝑆𝑜𝑦 𝑊𝑎𝑥 (𝐶𝑛𝐻2𝑛+1𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻): This represents the general formula for the triglycerides
found in soy wax. Triglycerides are composed of long chains of carbon (C), hydrogen
(H), and oxygen (O) atoms, forming fatty acid esters. In soy wax, these chains contain
different lengths of carbon atoms.

➔ 𝑂2 ​(Oxygen): Oxygen from the air is necessary for the combustion process. It acts as
an oxidising agent.

➔ 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑏𝑜𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑒 (𝐶𝑂2): This is one of the primary combustion products. Carbon from
the wax combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. This gas is released into the
air during the burning process.

➔ 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 (𝐻2𝑂): Another product of the combustion process. Hydrogen atoms from the
wax combine with oxygen from the air to form water vapour. This contributes to the
moisture released into the air as the candle burns.

➔ Heat: Heat is also produced during the combustion process. This heat sustains the
ongoing combustion of the wax and is the source of the candle flame's light and
warmth.
Additionally, using essential oils adds aromatic compounds that vaporise along with the wax,
contributing to the overall fragrance of the candle.

Conclusion:

This investigation elucidates the chemistry behind producing handmade soy wax candles
and the chemical reactions involved during their burning process. Using soy wax, derived
from renewable resources, offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional
paraffin candles, emitting fewer harmful substances when burned. Further studies could
delve deeper into the specific combustion products and their impact on indoor air quality.

References:

- Belina, Klaus M. "Candle Chemistry." *Journal of Chemical Education,* vol. 75, no. 11, 1998,
pp. 1453–1454.
- Rutkowski, Kathleen. "Soy Wax: Benefits and Challenges." *CandleScience,*
www.candlescience.com/learning/benefits-of-soy-wax.