U.S. patent number 3,844,706 [Application Number 05/411,050] was granted by the patent office on 1974-10-29 for candles and manufacture thereof.
Invention is credited to Elefterios Tsaras.
United States Patent |
3,844,706 |
Tsaras |
October 29, 1974 |
CANDLES AND MANUFACTURE THEREOF
Abstract
A candle having a shaped, thermoplastic blend with a wick
extending therethrough. The thermoplastic blend includes
ethylcellulose and at least one glyceride. Preferably the blend is
transparent and preferably it also incorporates a minor amount of
an additive, such as an oxa- or oxo- group containing compound, or
even a heavy petroleum hydrocarbon.
Inventors: |
Tsaras; Elefterios (Schiller
Park, IL) |
Family
ID: |
23627351 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/411,050 |
Filed: |
October 30, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/288;
44/275 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C11C
5/002 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
C11C
5/00 (20060101); F23d 003/16 () |
Field of
Search: |
;44/7.5,7B,7C,7D
;431/288 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Dority, Jr.; Carroll B.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Hill, Gross, Simpson, Van Santen,
Steadman, Chiara & Simpson
Claims
The claims are:
1. A candle comprising a body having therein a wick,
A. said body comprising on a 100 weight percent basis a
thermoplastic blend of --
1. from about 6 to 55 weight percent ethyl cellulose and
2. from about 45 to 94 weight percent of at least one
glyceride,
B. said wick being adapted to
1. be impregnated by said blend when said blend is in a heated,
liquified form, and
2. provide capillary action for such heated, liquified form of said
blend,
C. the combination of said body and said wick being such that, when
an upper end of said wick is in a generally vertical configuration
and is ignited, said wick burns with a generally luminous flame and
combusts gradually both itself and said body.
2. The candle of claim 1 wherein said wick comprises a plurality of
combustible, organic fibrous members disposed in generally adjacent
relationship to one another and wherein said body is in a solid or
semi-solid form at room temperatures and pressures.
3. The candle of claim 1 wherein said wick and said body are
substantially completely combusted as said wick so burns.
4. The candle of claim 1 wherein said blend comprises (a) from
about 15 to 45 weight percent of ethyl cellulose having an ethoxyl
content of from about 45 to 49 weight percent (total cellulose
basis) and a viscosity of from about 50 to 300 centipoises when
measured as a 5 weight percent concentration at 25.degree.C in an
80:20 toluene/ethanol solution using a sample dried for 30 minutes
at 100.degree.C, and (b) from about 55 to 85 weight percent of at
least one triglyceride having a molecular weight above about
650.
5. The candle of claim 4 wherein said triglyceride is castor
oil.
6. The candle of claim 1 wherein said body has incorporated
thereinto from 0 up to about 40 weight percent (total candle body
weight basis) of at least one additive selected from the group
consisting of (a) organic compounds containing at least one oxa or
at least one oxo group and from about 7 through 50 carbon atoms per
molecule, and (b) viscous petroleum hydrocarbons containing at
least about 15 carbon atoms per molecule, said additive being
further characterized by being soluble in corn oil at the rate of
10 parts additive per 100 parts corn oil and by having when so
dissolved in corn oil the capacity to dissolve ethyl cellulose
having an ethoxyl content ranging from about 45.0 to 49.0 weight
percent total ethyl cellulose basis in such corn oil solution at
the rate of about 20 parts by weight of such ethyl cellulose per
100 parts by weight of such corn oil solution at about 180.degree.C
within a time interval of about 15 minutes, the total amount of any
given such additive used in any given said candle body being
generally insufficient to cause either the torch effect, or the
bleeding effect.
7. The candle of claim 6 wherein the amount of any given such
additive used in any given said candle body is additionally
generally insufficient to cause opacity.
8. The candle of claim 6 wherein said additive is employed at the
rate of from about 3 to 20 weight percent (total candle body weight
basis), the total amount of any given such additive used in any
given said candle body being generally insufficient to cause either
the torch effect or the bleeding effect.
9. The candle of claim 6 additionally containing less than about 10
weight percent (total candle body weight basis) of an
organophosphate.
10. The candle of claim 6 additionally containing less than about
30 weight percent (total candle body weight basis) of a material
selected from the class consisting of rosin adducts.
11. The candle of claim 5 wherein said triglyceride is selected
from the group consisting of corn oil, soybean oil and safflower
oil.
12. The candle of claim 1 wherein said glyceride is selected from
the group consisting of semi-drying oils and non-drying oils.
13. The candle of claim 1 wherein said glyceride comprises from
about 1 to 30 weight percent of at least one glyceride oil from the
group consisting of safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, and olive
oil mixed with a balance up to 100 weight percent of castor
oil.
14. The candle of claim 1 wherein said body is substantially
transparent.
15. The candle of claim 6 wherein said body is substantially
transparent.
16. A process for making a candle comprising the steps of:
A. dissolving at a temperature ranging from about 100.degree. to
200.degree.C. from about 6 to 55 weight percent ethyl cellulose in
from about 45 to 94 weight percent glyceride on a 100 weight
percent total basis to produce a uniform, heat fused liquid
blend,
B. depositing the so-heated and so-produced liquid blend in a mold
cavity of predetermined dimensions, said cavity having a wick
extending through a mid-region thereof in one direction, said wick
comprising a plurality of combustible fibrous members in generally
adjacent relationship to one another and adapted to
1. be impregnated by said blend when in a heated, liquified form,
and
2. provide capillary action for such heated, liquified form of said
blend, and
C. cooling said so-deposited blend.
17. The process of claim 15 wherein from about 15 to 45 weight
percent ethyl cellulose having an ethoxyl content of from about 45
to 49 weight percent (total cellulose basis) and a viscosity of
from about 50 to 300 centipoises when measured as a 5 weight
percent concentration at 25.degree.C in an 80:20 toluene/ethanol
solution using a sample dried for 30 minutes at 100.degree.C, is
dissolved in from about 55 to 85 weight percent of at least one
triglyceride having a molecular weight above about 650 (total 100
weight percent composition basis).
18. The process of claim 17 wherein said triglyceride is castor
oil.
19. The process of claim 16 wherein said glyceride initially has
dissolved therein from 0 up to about 40 weight percent, total
compsition weight basis, of at least one additive selected from the
group consisting of (a) organic compounds containing at least one
oxa or at least one oxo group and from about 7 through 50 carbon
atoms per molecule, and (b) viscous petroleum hydrocarbons
containing at least about 15 carbon atoms per molecule, said
additive being further characterized by being soluble in corn oil
at the rate of 10 parts additive per 100 parts corn oil and by
having when so dissolved in corn oil the capacity to dissolve ethyl
cellulose having an ethoxyl content ranging from about 45.0 to 49.0
weight percent total ethyl cellulose basis in such corn oil
solution at the rate of about 20 parts by weight of such ethyl
cellulose per 100 parts by weight of such corn oil solution at
about 180.degree.C within a time interval of about 15 minutes, the
total amount of any given such additive used in any given said
composition being generally insufficient to cause either the torch
effect/or the bleeding effect.
20. The process of claim 19 wherein the amount of any given such
additive used in any given said composition is additionally
generally insufficient to cause opacity in the resulting cooled
such composition.
21. A process for making a candle comprising the steps of:
A. dissolving at a temperature ranging from about 100.degree. to
200.degree.C. from about 6 to 55 weight percent ethyl cellulose in
from about 45 to 94 weight percent glyceride on a 100 weight
percent total basis to produce a uniform, heat fused liquid
blend,
B. immersing a wick in an extended condition in said liquid blend,
said wick comprising a plurality of combustible fibrous members in
generally adjacent relationship to one another and adapted to
1. be impregnated by said blend when in a heated, liquified form,
and
2. provide capillary action for such heated, liquified form of said
blend,
C. removing said so immersed wick from said liquid blend with a
portion of said liquid blend deposited thereon,
D. cooling said so-deposited blend while maintaining said resulting
wick in a generally vertical configuration at least until said
liquid blend solidifies, and
E. sequentially repeating steps (B), (C) and (D) until a body of
desired dimensions is built up about said wick.
22. The candle of claim 1 wherein said ethyl cellulose is
substantially ashless.
23. The candle of claim 6 wherein said ethyl cellulose is
substantially ashless.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Historically, a candle is formed of a solid or semi-solid body of
tallow, or wax, especially paraffin wax or bees wax, containing
imbedded therein a loosely twisted fibrous (e.g., cotton or linen)
wick which when burned gave light, although candles having a liquid
body are known.
More recently, efforts have been made to find materials other than
tallow or wax which could be used for the body portion of a solid
or semi-solid candle. The incentive for such efforts has come from
a variety of sources. For one thing, the currently rising cost and
and seamingly increasingly limited availability of paraffin wax
helps generate a desire to find substitutes suitable for use in
candle body manufacture strong. For another thing, conventional
tallows and waxes are inherently opaque or translucent, not
transparent, which limits and even prevents their utilization in a
solid or semi-solid body portion of a transparent candle, such as
is desired for esthetic reasons, or special decorative effects, and
the like.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
There has now been discovered a new and very useful candle
construction having a solid or semi-solid body whose body portion
can be fabricated of readily available and economical materials
other than tallow or wax, and which can be substantially
transparent. There have also now been discovered methods for making
such candle construction.
The candles of this invention can be easily and simply manufactured
using commonly available equipment.
A candle of this invention can be made in a form such that the body
portion thereof is comprised of combustible solid or semi-solid
thermoplastic material which can be, and preferably is
substantially transparent, so that a wide variety of candle
applications and decorative effects become possible and
practical.
An aim of this invention is to provide compositions suitable for
use in the body portion of such candles.
Other and further aims, objects, purposes, advantages, utilities,
and features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a
reading of the present specification and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 shows a side elevational view of one embodiment of a candle
of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a similar view of another embodiment; and
FIG. 3 is a simple flow diagram illustrating one technique for
making candles of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is directed to a candle comprised of a body
having therein a wick. The body is preferably shaped, as by molding
or the like, and comprises on a 100 weight percent basis a
preferably substantially uniform, thermoplastic blend of
1. from about 6 to 55 weight percent ethyl cellulose (preferably
about 15 to 45 weight percent) and
2. from about 45 to 94 weight percent of at least one glyceride
(preferably about 55 to 85 weight percent).
Which blend is adapted to be in a solid or semi-solid form at room
temperatures and pressures.
The wick in such a candle is combustible and can be constructed
similarly to those used in prior art candles. A suitable wick can
obviously be formed of many different materials and compositions,
but presently preferably comprises a plurality of discrete
combustible organic fibrous members disposed in generally adjacent
relationship to one another. A typical wick thus can be comprised
of organic fibers of natural or even synthetic origin which are
stable to conditions used in making a candle of this invention and
which fibers are preliminarily twisted, woven, braided or the like
(e.g., cotten, linen, flax, polyester, etc.). A wick is adapted
to
1. be impregnated by a candle body blend used in this invention
when such a blend is in a heated, liquified form, and
2. provide capillary action, or equivalent, for such a heated
liquified form of such blend.
Preferably, a wick extends longitudinally through one such
thermoplastic body. More than a single wick may be used in spaced
relationship to each other in a single candle body used in this
invention, although it is usually convenient to employ a single
wick member centrally disposed in a shaped candle body. One can use
a type of wick which has a wire-like metallic member extending
therethrough among the organic fibers, such as a small lead wire,
or the like. The composition of the metal therein, together with
the cross-sectional size thereof, are preferably such that this
member melts as the product candle incorporating such burns. The
amount of metal thus generated is preferably insufficient to
interfere with the normal, desired functioning of such candle.
In a candle of this invention the combination of the body portion
and the wick is such that, when an upper end of said wick is in a
generally vertical configuration in said body and is ignited, said
wick burns with a generally luminous flame, and this ignited wick
is adapted to combust gradually, but preferably substantially
completely, both said body and said wick.
Most preferably, a candle of this invention has a body which is
transparent, or substantially so. A semi-hazy candle body can
become substantially completely or partially (in the region of the
wick) clear during burning. In such body the ethyl cellulose is
preferably substantially completely dissolved in the glyceride.
Such body characteristically is in a solid or semi-solid condition
whose viscosity is at least such that it cannot be poured, as from
a water-glass sized container at room temperature and pressure.
Preferably such body is at least sufficiently rigid to support
itself in a free standing, unsupported condition in a candle
product of this invention.
The Glycerides
Glycerides are esters of glycerol. Glycerides useful in this
invention can be partial glycerides (e.g., mono- or diglycerides),
but triglycerides are generally preferred. Preferred triglycerides
for use in this invention have molecular weights above about 650.
Glycerides occur in all forms of animal and vegetable life.
Triglycerides of fatty acids in which all the fatty acid radicals
are alike are called simple triglycerides. Most natural fats
contain only a minor percentage of simple triglycerides, and
consist mainly of mixed triglycerides, which have two or three
different kinds of fatty acid combined in a single molecule. When
only one or two of the hydroxyl groups of a glycerine molecule are
esterified with fatty acid, the resulting glycerides are called
monoglycerides and diglycerides, respectively. There are two types
of monoglycerides, since the fatty acid radical must be attached
either at the end or at the middle of the glycerol residue. There
are four types of diglyceride structures, simple and mixed, with
two possible positions in each case for the unesterified hydroxyl.
Preferably monoglycerides are used in combination with di or tri
glycerides in this invention.
Triglycerides are found in seeds. Examples suitable for use in this
invention include corn, peanut, (groundnut), cottonseed, soybean,
rapeseed, coconut, olive, linseed, (flaxseed), sunflower sesame,
palm, palmkernel, castor (presently most preferred), Chinawood
(tung), and the like.
Glycerides may be classified by any convenient means, such as
according to their ability to form dry films by oxidation and
polymerization on exposure to air, or according to the specific
fatty acids from which they are derived.
In terms of drying capacity, the principal glyceride oils can be
grouped as follows:
Group I Drying oils: (Linolenic-linoleic types), Linseed,
sunflower, Tung, Walnut, Hempseed, Poppyseed. Group II Semidrying
(Oleic-linoleic types), Corn, Cottonseed, oils: Rapeseed, Sesame,
Soybean Group III Nondrying (Oleic-acid types), Coconut, Palm oils:
Kernel, Castor, Olive, Peanut, Palm, Date.
The glycerides of Groups II and III are a preferred class of
glycerides for use in this invention.
As those skilled in the art appreciate, the most abundant of the
unsaturated fatty acid in glycerides are oleic, linoleic, and
linolenic, which are quite distinctive acids because of having one,
two and three double bonds, respectively, per molecule. Castor oil
is an exception in that it comprises typically about 80 to 90
weight percent ricinoleic acid which is an 18-carbon atom
monocarboxylic acid with a double bond in the 9-10 position and a
hydroxyl group in the 12 carbon atom position. Among the saturated
acids, palmitic is predominant, accompanied usually by a small and
not highly significant amount of stearic. For present purposes,
glycerides are preferably characterized by the specific fatty acids
incorporated thereinto (and from which they are usually derived).
As used herein, the term "fatty acid" includes the entire
homologous series of normal, odd and even numbered aliphatic acids,
homologs and isomers of the unsaturated acids and various
substituted acids, from, for examples, acetic to
n-octatriacontanoic (C.sub.37 H.sub.75 COOH). However, for
practical purposes, it is preferred to employ, in glycerides used
in the present invention, fatty acids containing from about four to
25 carbon atoms per molecule and more preferably from about 12 to
22 carbon atoms per molecule. Glycerides containing lower fatty
acids (e.g., certain fatty acids containing below about 12 carbon
atoms per molecule) tend to produce in product candles undesirable
odors during burning thereof.
One presently much preferred triglyceride is castor oil, which
tends to form, when used as the sole component with ethyl
cellulose, relatively soft, relatively non-brittle candle bodies.
Except for linseed oil and possibly a few other glycerides, most
other glycerides tend to form harder and more brittle candle
bodies. Also castor oil seems to resist oxidation during aging in
candles of this invention.
One presently preferred class of triglycerides whose members behave
somewhat similarly in the present invention comprises corn oil,
soya bean oil, and safflower oil and like oils. Castor oil in
combination with ethyl cellulose has the capacity to form
two-component single-phase compositions which are well suited for
use in the shaped body portion of a candle of the type of this
invention; such shaped body portions characteristically produce
little or no sweating during combustion in a candle and have long
storage ability.
Castor oil and such preferred class of corn oil, safflower oil, and
soya bean oil is characterized by being in the form (at room
conditions) of light yellow, clear, oily liquids. They can have a
faint characteristic odor and taste except for castor oil which is
available commercially in odorless or nearly odorless, forms.
Odorless, or nearly odorless such oils are preferred. They also
have a density d.sub.25.sup.25 in the range of about 0.914 to
0.980, a saponification number in the range from about 170 to 205,
an iodine number in the range of about 80 to 150. They usually and
preferably contain not more than about 5 weight percent (total
weight basis) of unsaponifiable matter. Some glyceride oils used in
this group may have an acidic additive therein, owing to their
method of manufacture. For example, while higher acid number corn
oils are known (e.g., having acid numbers greater than two, for
example), those skilled in the art will appreciate that such higher
acid number corn oils have a tendency to contain more than a single
type of glyceride component and also non-glyceride components.
All glycerides, with the possible exception of castor oil, or some
combination of castor oil with another glyceride, are presently
generally somewhat prone, when combined only with an ethyl
cellulose and used in a candle body in accord with the teachings of
this invention, to display, when in such a two-component system, a
tendency to exude, sweat, or bleed the glyceride oil from the
candle body composition as when being combusted in a lighted
candle, or even, sometimes, when the product candle is in storage,
particularly for prolonged periods. In addition, such a
two-component system can display an initial tendency to
embrittlement, which is generally undesirable from the standpoint
of candle handling, storing and shipping, but later in storage, the
embrittlement tends to gradually diminish.
Mixtures of different glycerides are desirable as a means of
obtaining some particular intended result, such as a lower cost for
starting materials, or as a technique for using generally less
desirable glycerides with more desirable glycerides, or as a
technique for obtaining special aromatic effects during burning of
a product candle, or as a technique for avoiding or as a means for
minimizing oil bleeding, or the like. For example, from about 1 to
30 weight percent of at least one glyceride oil selected from the
group consisting of safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil and olive
oil mixed with a balance up to 100 weight percent (e.g., 70 to 99
wt. percent of a given composition of castor oil provides a useful
class of glyceride mixtures for use in this invention. Olive oil,
for example, by itself used as the glyceride tends to produce
candle body compositions which are somewhat brittle and
semi-opaque; yet, in such a combination with castor oil, useful and
desirable candle body compositions characteristically result.
Glycerides which are liquid at room temperature and pressure are
generally preferred for use in making candles of this invention,
although amounts of up to about 30 weight percent of glycerides
which are solid at such conditions, such as hydrogenated
glycerides, can generally be incorporated with such a liquid
glyceride and the preferred transparent candles of this invention
can still be produced.
In general, heat treated glycerides of the drying oil type appear
to be generally less desirable for use in this invention than are
the corresponding raw glycerides. However, the opposite situation
may prevail with respect to glycerides of the semi-drying oil
type.
The Ethyl Cellulose
Ethyl cellulose is a cellulose ether made, for example, by reacting
ethyl chloride with alkali cellulose. Any one or more of a wide
variety of different such ethyl celluloses is useful in this
invention.
The structure most widely accepted for the cellulose molecule, as
those skilled in the art appreciate, is a chain of
.beta.-anhydroglucose units joined together by acetal linkages.
Each anhydroglucose unit has three replaceable-OH groups, all or a
part of which may be replaced with ethoxy units. Complete
substitution of all three-OH groups gives a triethyl ether having a
substitution value of 3, or 54.88 per cent ethoxyl. The completely
substituted triethyl cellulose has little value in the present
invention because it lacks thermoplasticity and has limited
compatibility and solubility.
Preferred ethyl celluloses for use in this invention have a
substitution value between about 2.15 and 2.60 ethoxyl groups per
anhydroglucose unit, or about 43 to 50 per cent ethoxyl content.
More preferred ethyl celluloses have about 45.0 to 49.0 percent
ethoxyl content (same total ethyl cellulose weight percent
basis).
Similarly, the ethyl cellulose used in this invention can have a
very large molecular weight, but a preferred class of ethyl
cellulose materials has a molecular weight such that the viscosity
thereof ranges from about 3 to 350 centipoises when measured in a 5
weight percent concentration at 25.degree.C. in an 80:20
toluene/ethanol solution using a sample dried for 30 minutes at
100.degree.C. More preferred ethyl celluloses have a viscosity of
from about 50 to 300 centipoises when so measured. Different
viscosity types of starting ethyl cellulose can be blended to
produce a product ethyl cellulose of a desired viscosity, using the
Arrhenius equation which relates viscosity and concentration, for
use in making candles of this invention.
One class of ethyl celluloses which is now preferred for use in the
present invention combusts without leaving substantially any ash.
Such a material is available commercially, for example, the
material sold the trade designation K--200 from Hercules, Inc. of
Wilmington, Del., and such a material can be made by the following
procedure:
About 100 grams of ethyl cellulose are mixed and wetted with 2
liters of deionized, or preferably distilled water, after which
about 20 cubic centimeters of glacial acetic acid are added and
mixed therewith. The mixture is steeped for 2 to 3 hours at a
temperature in the range of from about 60.degree. to 80.degree.C.,
and then the aqueous phase is decanted. The remaining solids are
repeatedly washed with water to remove all acetic acid, and then
these washed solids are dried in an oven at about 105.degree.C
until completely dry. Such procedure serves to remove substantially
all sodium ions from the ethyl cellulose.
Additives
Preferably, a candle body of this invention has additionally
incorporated thereinto preferably uniformly an amount ranging from
0 up to about 40 weight percent, or even somewhat higher (total
candle body weight basis), of at least one compound selected from
the group consisting (a) organic compounds containing at least one
=C-O-group or at least one =C=O (e.g., at least one oxa or oxo
group) and from about 7 through 50 carbon atoms per molecule, and
(b) viscous petroleum hydrocarbons containing at least about 15
carbon atoms per molecule. Organic compounds of such type (a) have
the carbon atom adjacent the oxygen atom bonded to one or more
atoms, such as especially carbon. Such an additive compound is
additionally further characterized by being soluble in corn oil at
the rate of 10 parts additive per 100 parts corn oil and by having
when so dissolved in corn oil the capacity to dissolve ethyl
cellulose in such corn oil solution at the rate of about 20 parts
by weight of such ethyl cellulose having an ethoxyl content in the
range from about 45.0 to 49.0 weight percent total ethyl cellulose
basis per 100 parts by weight of such corn oil solution at about
180.degree.C. within a time interval of about 15 minutes (with
mixing). The quantity of any given additive compound used in any
given candle body composition is preferably so chosen as not to
interfere with the normal and desired properties of the product
candle. Usually, and more preferably, the total amount of such
additive compound(s) employed in a given candle body falls in the
range from about 3 to 20 weight percent (total candle body weight
basis).
Such an additive compound functions as a sort of plasticizer with
one or more of the following capacities: Hardness control agent;
clarification control agent; dissolution rate accelerator (or
dissolution time shortener) of the ethyl cellulose in the
glyceride; combustion control agent; oil exudation or sweating
control agent; or the like. Thus, such an additive compound can
either strengthen or soften a candle body, depending upon
concentration, can lessen the tendency of a candle body to exude
oil during burning or storage, can shorten the dissolution time of
ethyl cellulose in glyceride and thus reduce and minimize
discoloration in a candle body caused by the initial heating and
dissolution of ethyl cellulose in glyceride, can contribute to the
clarification desired in a dissolved blend of ethyl cellulose and
glyceride, and/or the like.
One suitable class of additive compounds is characterized by the
generic formula
R.sub.1 -X 1.
where:
R.sub.1 is a hydrocarbon radical containing from about 5 through
about 37 carbon atoms and X is selected from the group consisting
of hydroxyl, carboxyl, the radical ##SPC1##
the radical ##SPC2##
and the radical ##SPC3##
Y is hydrogen, or the radical ##SPC4##
n and m are each integers of from about 1 through 50, and
R.sub.2 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical containing from about
5 through 20 carbon atoms.
R.sub.1 and also R.sub.2 can each be a straight or a branched
chain, and contain cyclic hydrocarbon structures, and R.sub.1 and
R.sub.2 can each be saturated or unsaturated. R.sub.1 and R.sub.2
can each contain one or several functional groups, such as hydroxyl
or carboxyl.
Another suitable class of additive compounds is characterized by
the generic formula ##SPC5##
where:
R.sub.3 is the same as R.sub.2 in formula 1, and
p is an integer of from 1 through 18
The sebasic and phthalate esters are typical and prefered members
of the formula (2) compounds. The ##SPC6##
chain can be straight or branched, and may sometimes include
unsaturated moieties. R.sub.3 can be the radical of the type
##SPC7##
where k is an integer of from about 4 through 18; in this class, a
formula 3 compound can include a polyethylene, or a polypropylene,
or a mixed polyolefin chain terminating the ends of the
dicarboxylic acid - type material.
Yet another suitable class of additive compounds includes the
polyolefin glycols, such as those of polyethylene, polypropylene or
mixed systems.
Although polyolefin glycols having a molecular weight of about 200
are compatible as additives, these materials have a tendency to be
hydroscopic and may eventually absorb into a candle body sufficient
moisture from the atmosphere to result in generally undesired
effects after manufacture.
Also, rosin and rosin adducts are known to possess high molecular
weight acid components and this circumstance may explain their
usual characteristically high compatibility with an ethyl
cellulose/triglyceride mixture. The same is true of the natural
resins such as gum, gum elemi, vinsol (a pine resin), and the like.
Although many natural gums are compatible with ethyl cellulose,
only a few are compatible with both ethyl cellulose and glyceride
in combination. An example of this type of incompatibility is the
gum pontianac.
The compatibility of phenolic resins with candle body compositions
is somewhat different; many of them are compatible, but they tend
to discolor on heating, and they also tend to produce candle flames
that smoke. Styrenated alkyds are compatible also, but likewise are
prone to produce candle flames that smoke.
Typically, not all additives are useful over the entire above
indicated weight percentage ranges because of various undesired
side effects sometimes produced by particular additives in
particular candle body systems. For example, certain additives if
used in relatively high amounts can sometimes produce a candle body
which ignites and burns as a sort of torch (called herein the
"torch effect"). Illustrations of such additives in particular
candle bodies are shown in Table I below. ##SPC8##
Footnotes for Table I:
1. The glyceride used here was castor oil.
2. The composition also included 15 wt. percent K--200 type ethyl
cellulose from Hercules, with the balance up to 100 weight percent
being corn oil.
3. Composition included 20 percent ethyl cellulose and 40 percent
safflower oil (100 weight percent basis).
4. Composition included 15 percent ethyl cellulose and 45 percent
safflower oil (100 weight percent basis).
5. Composition included 15 percent ethyl cellulose and 55 percent
safflower oil (100 weight percent basis).
6. Composition 15 percent ethyl cellulose and 45 percent corn oil
(100 weight percent basis).
7. Composition included 15 percent ethyl cellulose, 45 percent corn
oil (100 weight percent basis).
The torch effect is eliminatable either by using a torch
effect-prone additive at a level which does not cause this effect
or by using a different such additive altogether, as respects a
given candle body.
As a class, the well-known organophosphates appear to be generally
compatible with the ethyl cellulose/glyceride candle body
compositions used in this invention. Because of their (known) flame
flow retardant properties, such organophosphates can be employed to
supress such a torch effect in a candle body of this invention.
Suitable organophosphates include triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl
phosphate, crysel diphenyl phosphate and the like. Usually amounts
less than about 5 or even 10 weight percent thereof (total candle
body weight basis) are sufficient, provided the amount of the
flame-causing additive present in a given candle body composition
is not large enough to overcome the suppressant effect of the
quantity of organophosphate employed and this latter value can vary
from one candle to another, but is usually less than about 25
weight percent (total weight basis).
Another example of a generally undesired side effect occasionally
seen with additive usages is the so-called "bleeding effect." Thus,
a freshly made candle made with certain glycerides can tend to
bleed within about 24 hours of initial fabrication. This bleeding
effect can be promoted or suppressed through the use of additives.
Also, a candle of this invention can sometimes show a tendency to
bleed during normal burning, particularly in the region where the
candle body is warmed by the flame about the wick. After the wick
is extinguished, the exuded oil may be reabsorbed by the candle
body. It appears common that candle body structures with components
(i.e., too little ethyl cellulose, too much additive, or the like)
exhibit oil exudation within 24 hours after manufacture.
In general, candle body structures that tend to bleed oil upon
being manually squeezed between a pair of fingers at room
temperature and pressure also tend to bleed oil during burning,
although it appears that most if not all such oil so bled from such
candle body structure is absorbed back into the candle bodies upon
cooling after the wicks are extinguished. Castor oil, for example,
seems to give candle body structures which when balanced (a
generally optimized blend of ethyl cellulose, glyceride and/or
additive of the latter is present) apparently exude substantially
no oil when pressured manually between a pair of fingers, or when
burned, even for indefinite periods of time over the life of a
candle. It is possible that a candle body structure which exudes an
excessive amount of oil at room temperature and pressure can catch
fire after the wick thereof is ignited. Illustrations of such
additives in particular candle bodies are shown in Table II below.
##SPC9##
Footnotes for Table II:
1. Composition included 15 weight percent ethyl cellulose and 55
weight safflower oil (100 weight percent basis).
2. Composition included 15 weight percent ethyl cellulose and 61
weight corn oil (100 weight percent basis).
3. Composition included 15 weight percent ethyl cellulose and 65
weight castor oil (100 weight percent basis).
4. Composition included 15 weight percent ethyl cellulose and 65
weight castor oil (100 weight percent basis).
5. Composition included 15 weight percent ethyl cellulose and 75
weight corn oil (100 weight percent basis).
6. Composition included 15 weight percent ethyl cellulose and 55
weight corn oil (100 weight percent basis).
The bleeding effect is eliminatable by using a mixture of
additives, by reducing the amount of bleed-producing additives or
by using a different such additive altogether, or by increasing
relatively the total amount of ethyl cellulose present, as respects
a given candle body composition.
Certain rosin adducts such as the glycerol ester of
pentaerythritol, for example, inhibit the bleeding effect and are
highly compatible with the glyceride and ethyl cellulose mixture.
Usually amounts less than about 30 weight percent of such a
compatible rosin adduct additive (total candle body weight basis)
are sufficient to inhibit bleeding in a candle body composition,
provided the amount of the bleed-causing glyceride component
present in a given candle body is not large enough to overcome the
inhibiting effect of the particular quantity of such rosin adduct
present.
Some additives especially when used in higher amounts within the
additive ranges indicated herein can sometimes produce opacity in a
candle body used in this invention (herein termed for convenience
the "opacity effect"). In general, if an additive is used in an
amount beyond its solubility limits at a given temperature and
pressure in a given glyceride system, then the resulting candle
body can become opaque at least when cooled. Some candle bodies
will remain opaque until the candle is lighted, then, as the body
warms by the flame about the wick, the region warmed becomes
transparent for so long as the body remains suitably so warmed.
Hydrogenated glycerides by themselves can tend to result in
opacification of a candle body, apparently. In addition, additives
such as saturated fatty acids and alcohols, higher esters such as
those of the spermacetti type, and monoesters of saturated
long-chain acids can tend to cause opacity in a candle body of this
invention when used in amounts typically above about 5 to 15 weight
percent (total weight basis), the exact amount depending upon the
individual candle body involved (similarly to the additives causing
the torch effect and the bleeding effect). Illustrations of such
additives in particular candle bodies are shown in Table III below.
##SPC10##
Footnotes for Table III:
1. Balance included 15 percent ethyl cellulose, 70 percent corn oil
(100 weight percent total weight basis).
2. Balance included 62 percent corn oil, 15 percent ethyl cellulose
(100 weight percent total weight basis).
3. Balance included 15 percent ethyl cellulose, 73 percent corn oil
(100 weight percent total weight basis).
4. Balance included 15 percent ethyl cellulose and 75 percent corn
oil (100 weight percent total weight basis).
5. Balance included 30 percent ethyl cellulose, 59 percent castor
oil (100 weight percent total weight basis).
6. Balance included 63 percent castor oil, 10 percent safflower
oil, 15 percent ethyl cellulose. (100 weight percent total weight
basis). All ethyl celluloses used here in Table III are Hercules
K--200 type.
The opacity effect is eliminatable by minimizing the use of
opacifying additives, by non-use thereof, and/or by using mixtures
of, different additives with a glyceride, as those skilled in the
art will appreciate. As indicated earlier, candles of this
invention preferably have their body portions in a transparent
condition (as at room temperatures and pressures) so it is
preferred to avoid the opacity effect or opacification in candles
of this invention.
In general, a given candle body of this invention contains a
quantity of a given additive compound which does not produce a
deleterious or unwanted side effect, such as the torch effect or
the bleeding effect, and which also preferably does not produce
opacification. Owing apparently to the complex nature of the
glyceride and ethyl cellulose materials employed in the candle
bodies utilized in this invention, it is unfortunately not possible
to make sweeping quantitative generalizations about the optimum
quantity of some particular additive compound which should be used
in some particular ethyl cellulose/glyceride system, or even about
the maximum or minimum quantity of such additive compound which
could or should be used in such system in all circumstances. The
best that can be done is to indicate the levels at which identified
classes and types of; additive compounds may be employed in candles
of this invention, and also to indicate the known types of problems
which can occur with the use of such additive compounds, all of
which has been earnestly undertaken herein to the best of currently
available technical information. It is preferred to dissolve
additive compounds in the glyceride before adding the ethyl
cellulose to the glyceride.
Preparation Procedures
A candle of this invention can be prepared by any convenient
procedure, as those skilled in the art will appreciate. One
preferred procedure is illustrated in FIG. 3 which shows a
self-explanatory process flow diagram. In this procedure, one
initially dissolves at a temperature ranging from about 100.degree.
to 200 .degree.C (preferably 160.degree. to 195.degree. C) the
ethyl cellulose in the glyceride desired to produce a uniform,
heatfused liquid blend.
Then, by one (preferred) process, one deposits the so-heated and
so-produced liquid blend in a mold cavity of predetermined
dimensions. This cavity is equipped with a wick extending usually
through a mid region thereof in one direction. If the candle body
solidifies, next, one cools such so deposited blend in such cavity
at least until said liquid blend solidifies, and, finally, removes,
if desired, such so solidified blend with said wick therein from
such mold cavity, thereby separating the desired candle from such
cavity.
By another process, the so-heated and so-produced liquid blend has
a wick inserted or immersed thereinto, the wick being in an
extended condition. Thereafter, one removes such so immersed wick
from such liquid blend with a portion of said liquid blend
deposited thereon. Next, one cools such so deposited blend while
maintaining such resulting wick in a generally vertical
configuration at least until such liquid blend solidifies. Finally,
one sequentially repeats the preceding steps until a candle body of
desired dimensions is built up about such wick. This is one method
of making multicolored multilayered candles (each being the same or
different in composition).
Preferably the ethyl cellulose used is preliminarily dried, as in
an oven at about 100.degree.C for about 1 hour. Glass-lined
blending kettles or stainless steel kettles are preferably used to
avoid or minimize discoloration in candle bodies. Also direct
heating as with a flame should be avoided for the same reason.
Steam-heated, or gas-fired varnish type kettles provided with
adequate stirring are presently preferred kettle types. The thicker
candle body compositions containing higher ethyl cellulose contents
can be handled better in a heated Banbury mill than in a simple
stirred kettle, and then a blend is conveniently made with the
ethyl cellulose, the additive and the glyceride oil within
transformed to a desired homogeneous colloid. The product is passed
conveniently through a hot two-roll mill before being molded into a
candle body.
Candle Products
Candles of the present invention, as those skilled in the art will
appreciate, can have any convenient form or shape as is true of
conventional candles formed of wax. Fluid candles can be made if
desired, but candles with solid bodies are much preferred. A
particularly preferred candle shape is in the conventional
cross-sectionally circular, cylindrically tapered form such as is
depicted in FIG. 1, accompanying this application.
The burning characteristics of the candles of the present invention
are somewhat different from those of conventional paraffin, tallow
or Beeswax candles. Thus, while conventional candles are comprised
of materials which produce highly luminous flames, in contrast,
vegetable and animal oils, although used since antiquity for
illumination, produce less luminous flames.
The rate of burning of the conventional candles seems to be
generally higher than that of a candle of similar hardness of the
present invention. Generally, just as the rate of burning of a
conventional candle is affected by the melting point of its
constituents so is the rate of burning of the candles of this
invention affected by the amount of ethyl cellulose present. Thus,
for one class of three component candle bodies of this invention
the higher the amount of ethyl cellulose, the slower the rate of
burning. This phonomenon occurs for two reasons; first, because the
softening point of the higher ethyl cellulose composition is
higher; and, second, because although ethyl cellulose burns, it
does so with a shorter, not as highly luminous flame compared, for
example to a flame from a paraffinic candle.
Conventional candles generally have sharper melting and setting
points, and seem to conduct heat not as readily as those of the
present invention. Thus, if one takes a parafin wax candle having a
certain type of wick and a candle of the same size of the present
invention equipped with the same wick and burns therein for the
same length of time one will notice that the sides of this candle
of this invention are warmer than those of the conventional wax
candles. This fact makes it possible for conventional waxes to form
"Petals" or produce "foliating" or "angel winged candles." "Petals"
are formed, as those skilled in the art appreciate, when a candle
mass has an undersized wick relative to its mass diameter. During
burning a thin wall of unburned wax is formed at the sides of the
candle. When this wass becomes too thin, it buckles outwardly,
splits down from its own weight and starts the "petal" formation.
The candles of the present invention are warmed uniformly in region
of burning generally apparently moreso than a conventional candle
and when in a "petal" situation they appear to tend to buckle
inwardly. A candle of this invention tends to burn generally
downwardly forming a hole of about 5 to 15 times that of the
diameter of the wick (although I do not wish to be bound by this
estimate) while the conventional candles generally
characteristically burn across their top surface. This
characteristic makes possible the use of multiple wicks in candles
of this invention.
One can formulate candles of the present invention which are
initially hazy, semi-hazy and all-together opaque and will become
completely clear upon burning. Certain of the additives listed
elsewhere herein such as the saturated higher alcohol and acids,
hydrogenated glycerides, and the like, if used at a relatively high
concentration will form such hazy candle body compositions. These
bodies when warmed somewhat, such as occurs during the normal
burning of a candle, turn completely clear. If suspended inert
decorative objects are positioned in the candle mass (coins,
metalic flowers, and the like during fabrication), these objects
will appear a few minutes after illumination starts apparently
because the rise in temperature throughout the mass of the candle
and especially the top portion, during illumination extends the
limits of solubility of that particular additive in the rest of the
ingredients, although I do not wish to be bound by theory herein.
Generally candles of this invention lend themselves to creations
not possible with conventional paraffinic candles. For one thing,
conventional paraffinic candle bodies typically could not be
perfumed with more than about 2 to 3 weight percent perfume oil
without the appearance of esthetically unpleasant bleeding. It is
now possible to make candles that contain several times higher
weight percentages of perfume oil concentrations using the present
invention. Also, due to the fact that candles of this invention
burn downwardly rather radially symmetrically, outwardly with the
wick vertically positioned, one could use various different
perfumes and even colorants at various portions of the candle
structure. It is thus possible and practical to have several
multicolored, multiperfumed regions or layers in a structure.
Because the amount of ethyl cellulose used in a candle controls
somewhat the rate of burning, it is possible to create softer
compositions around a wick which are, in turn, encircled with a
higher softening point composition, all compositions being as
described in this invention. The later or radially outward portions
can be decorated with inert decorative objects such as coins,
pearling agents, and the like which can be suspended in a candle
body during the molding process.
One preferred form of candle of the present invention has a small
solid body, or a plurality of solid small bodies imbedded within
the clear ethyl cellulose and glyceride composition, so that a
special decorative effect may be achieved, such bodies being
introduced into the candle body during the molding process. Such a
decorative candle of the present invention is illustrated in FIG.
2.
Characteristically, candles of this invention display an aging
tendency because of oxidation of the glyceride portion thereof due
to the action of ultraviolet light and atmospheric oxygen which
combination serves to induce the well-known free-radical oxidation
of olefinic double bonds (such being present in typical candle
bodies used in this invention). The effects of such oxidation can
sometimes be determined in about a month's time following
fabrication if a candle is continuously open in air and in
daylight. However, if the sample is maintained in air but is not
exposed to daylight, then the effects of such oxidation can
sometimes be determined in about four months time following
fabrication. As a result of the effects of oxidation, those candle
body compositions which are brittle tend to soften with age, and
those body compositions which display an initial tendency to exude
glyceride oil (as when manually squeezed) seem to loose this
tendency, or to have a reduced such tendency, with aging in air. In
addition, the burning rate of an aged candle of this invention
tends to be somewhat suppressed compared to that of a freshly made,
or adequately preserved, candle, and, also, a certain blackness can
develop in an aged, combusting candle body owing to the
above-indicated oxidation. Such blackness appears to be more
pronounced with the drying and semidrying oil type glycerides than
with other types. Oxidation may progress to such a degree as to
make a candle of this invention seem to burn only with difficulty
when a wick is ignited. This oxidation, however, seems to take
place only at the surface of a candle body mass. Thus, if a portion
of the film formed on the body surface by scraping or the like,
especially around the wick, the resulting candle burns with a flame
comparable to that of a freshly made candle. Apparently the film
formed around the body mass sort of seals the rest of the candle
body from atmospheric oxygen and thus retards further oxidation
during actual combustion.
To offset such oxidation effects, conventional, compatible u-v
absorbers may be incorporated into the formulation of a candle body
of this invention. Suitable UV absorbers are known to the prior art
and include benzophenone type materials (such as 2,4
dihydroxybengophenone or 2-Hydroxy-4-n-octyl Benzophenone). Such
absorbers are usually employed in amounts less than about 5 weight
percent (total candle body weight basis). Besides UV absorbers,
common antioxidants of the phenolic type, such as butylated hydroxy
toluene (BHT), butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA), diamyl phenol, 2,
6-tertiarybutyl-para-cresol, and the like, can be used, usually at
levels of about 3 weight percent or less (same basis). UV absorbers
and antioxidants are preferably added to a completely dissolved
mixture of glyceride and ethyl cellulose to avoid potential
discoloration problems.
EMBODIMENTS
The present invention is further illustrated by reference to the
following Examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
other and further embodiments are obvious and within the spirit and
scope of this invention from the teachings of these present
Examples taken with the accompanying specification and
drawings.
Examples 1
A series of candles of the present invention are prepared. For each
candle, the procedure followed involves first heating the glyceride
to a temperature in the range from about 160.degree. to
200.degree.C. Then ethyl cellulose is gradually added until
dissolution and homogeneity are obtained. Since dissolution and
homogeneity are facilitated through the use of mixing, in these
examples, a so-called "lightening mixture" is utilized to mix
together the glyceride and the ethyl cellulose within the
temperature range indicated. In general, the ethyl cellulose swells
as it dissolves, and the more it swells, the clearer the resulting
mixture becomes. Bubbles characteristically form during this mixing
process, but these bubbles usually collapse substantially
completely at the end of the dissolution process; in fact, the
collapse of bubbles may be taken as a sign that dissolution is
substantially complete. Near the completion of ethyl cellulose
dissolution, the mixture temperature is reduced to a level about
160.degree.-170.degree.C to avoid and minimize any discoloration in
the product composition, such as seems to be sometimes induced by
overheating when all or substantially all the bubbles have been
eliminated. Finally, the product composition is cast into a glass
or polyolefin mold each having a diameter of 1 to 2 inches of
predetermined cylindrical dimensions. Each mold is equipped with a
wick axially located in said mold.
After solidification, the resulting candle is ready for use. Unless
otherwise noted, or unless the mold is glass, the candle is removed
from the mold and burned. The results are summarized in Tables IV
through VI below. ##SPC11## ##SPC12##
*FOOTNOTES - TABLE IV
1. Weight percent Glyceride based on 100 weight percent total
candle body composition.
2. Weight percent Ethyl cellulose based on 100 weight percent total
candle body composition.
3. Ethoxyl content based on 100 weight percent total ethyl
cellulose.
4. Viscosity in centiposes measured as a 5 weight percent
concentration at 25.degree.C. bases in a 80:20 toluene/ethanol
solution using a sample dried for 30 minutes at 100.degree.C.
##SPC13## ##SPC14## ##SPC15## ##SPC16##
*FOOTNOTES- TABLE V
1. same as footnote 1 of Table 1.
2. Same as footnote 2 of Table 1.
3. Same as footnote 3 of Table 1.
4. Same as footnote 4 of Table 1. Each of the ethyl celluloses used
in this Table is a Hercules material; the 200 cps material is
always the Hercules K200.
5. weight percent additive based on 100 weight percent total candle
body composition.
6. Structure of resulting candle is soft, pliable, sticky
esthetically unacceptable. Because the high viscosity ethyl
cellulose is difficult to dissolve the finished product is highly
discolored. Flame stops in 30 minutes due to accumulation of
oxidation products around the wick.
7. Same as the above.
8. Candle structure is soft, clear, exudes oil in 24 hours, and
exhibits the torch effect after 3 minutes of burning.
9. Candle structure is not soft as that of example 18, but it is
still soft. It exhibits the torch effect more reluctantly, but it
still catches fire. It exudes less oil than example 18.
10. Candle structure is harder than that of 18, 19; still rather
soft. It burns without exhibiting the torch effect although a
minimum oil exudation occurs after 3 days.
11. Structure a bit soft, but burns well. Suitable for a candle
that is enclosed in a glass container.
12. Soft structure, bleeds oil in 24 hours, exhibiting the torch
effect in 3 minutes.
13. Light color, no bleeding at room temperature, very good
structure, burns very well. Some oil exudation occurs during
burning, but practically all of this oil is absorbed with several
hours after cooling down to room temperature. It produces an odor
similar to that of butyric acid on burning due to a probable
degradation of isostearic acid to butyric acid.
14. Same comments as in comment 13, structure is firmer, harder.
All glycerides except castor oil show aging effects due to air
oxidation catalized by U.V. light. Remedies for this are discussed
in the section that deals with preservatives.
15. Same comments as in comment 13, except there is not butyric
acid odor on burning.
16. Firmer structure than example 25, again no butyric acid odor,
both examples 25 and 26 are good free standing candles.
17. Lighter color than example 23, and also a bit softer than
example 23. Other comments: the same as comment 13.
18. A bit lighter color than example 23, also softer than example
23. It exhibits a shorter dissolution time.
19. Examples 27 through 31 exhibit very similar properties. They
showed good firm free standing structures that burn well with some
oil exudation while burning. Most of this oil is absorbed back upon
cooling except some at the base.
20. same as the preceeding.
21. same as the preceeding.
22. Firmer than example 23, but a bit hazy, also it burns with a
smaller flame. Apparently tall oil fatty acids do not have quite
the same synergistic effect that isostearic acid, oleic acid, and
soya fatty acids have when combined with a triglyceride and ethyl
cellulose.
23. Olive oil and tung oil do not produce clear structures with
fatty acids. Apparently the synergistic effect does not work in
these two cases.
24. In example 33, comment 23, it was noted that olive and tung oil
do not produce clear structures with fatty acids. If a blend of
olive oil with other oils like corn, safflower, etc. is made the
synergistic effect of the fatty acids appears again. This structure
is as good as 23 or 25.
25. Structure is a bit hazy, exudes oil on squeezing. Esters like
isopropyl stearate, isopropyl isostearate, isopropyl palmitate,
behave similarly. The synergistic effect shown by fatty acids is
not as pronounced here. Although esters-triglyceride-ethyl
cellulose compositions are better that the two component
triglyceride-ethyl cellulose, the combination of esters-fatty
acids-triglycerides-ethyl cellulose give certain special effects to
candles that possess such combinations, like higher flame. The
fatty alcohols act very similarly to esters. Both esters and fatty
alcohols combine very successfully when the triglyceride is castor
oil. For as it is mentioned elsewhere castor oil does not produce
brittle and semi hazy two phase compositions with ethyl cellulose.
Brittleness and semi hazy compositions are typical of many
non-castor oil containing triglyceride starting systems evaluated.
Fatty alcohols and esters do not shorten glyceride dissolution time
as much as fatty acids.
26. As noted in comment 25, fatty alcohols and esters do not show
the pronounced synergistic effect of the fatty acids. Combinations
of fatty acids--fatty alcohols or esters do so, however. This is a
light, clear, firm structure.
27. Very good, very hard structure, good flame, it smokes here and
there. Glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol and methyl esters
of rosin exhibit a synergistic effect which is not as pronounced
with ordinary fatty esters. The glycerol ester of rosin seems to be
better in this respect than the rest of the esters. As opposed to
fatty esters--fatty acids compatibility, however, there is
incompatibility between rosin esters-non-rosin-fatty acids as seen
below, especially at low ethyl cellulose concentrations (comment
28).
28. Incompatibility, structure bleeds oil.
29. Good structure, compatible, as good as example 37. Rosin esters
are compatible with rosin itself (whether hydrogenated,
dehydrogenated or disproportionated).
30. Highly compatible, very hard structure, as good as example 37,
but harder with smaller flame. Only congo gum at the same
concentration is harder. Congo gum is also very dark and thus
unsuitable. Singapore damar gum was not as compatible as congo and
elemi gum.
31. Castor oil again is our exception in that it makes a soft
composition with gum elemi, as well as congo gum, and glycerol
esters of rosin. These compositions may be suitable for a glass
container not free standing candles.
32. A bit discoloration, as good as 37, good flame. Some oil
exudation at the base after burning the candle for some time.
33. Good structure, firmer than example 42, less oil exudation on
burning candle than 42.
34. Fair, a bit hazy, but good elastic structure fair flame.
35. Excellent structure, no bleeding, burns heavily around wick.
Very good for free standing candle. 10 percent cetyl alcohol seems
to be the limit in this formula without causing the opaqueness
effect.
36. Very good structure, light color, burns heavily around
wick.
37. Very good firm structure, kept in glass container. Good
flame.
38. Structure very hard for a two component system. Considerable
discoloration due to prolonged heating. Small flame, but candle
burned to the end.
39. Very good candle structure, very good flame, burns a little
heavily around the wick.
40. Hard structure; exhibits the torch effect.
41. Very hard structure, burns with good flame, minimum oil
exudation while it burns. Most of this oil is reabsorbed by the
candle structure upon cooling of the candle mass.
42. Composition softer than example 25 Table II. medium flame.
43. Composition a bit hazy. It produces a very good flame. Exuded
oil is reabsorbed upon cooling. (Arlamole E is the trade mark for a
polypropylene glycol fatty radical made by I.C.I. of America
formerly Atlas Chemical. ##SPC17## ##SPC18##
* FOOTNOTES - TABLE VI
1. the designation of A & P disignates Atkins & Pearch
company of Cincinatti, Ohio.
Example 68
Composition of candle:
1. Castor oil 64.0
2. Isostearyl alcohol 10.0
3. Santopen 67 (antioxidant) 1.0
4. Safflower oil 10.0
5. Ethyl cellulose 200 cps 15.0 (Hercules K200 type)
Ingredients 1 through 4 are heated to 180.degree.C in a 500 cc
glass beaker and ethyl cellulose is added while mixing the mixture
with a lightning mixer. Dissolution is complete in about 10
minutes. A glass container of 3 inches diameter and 5 inches height
is used to hold the candle contents. The above described hot
uniform mixture is poured into the glass up to 1 inch height from
the bottom. Then a wire wick is inserted in the center and held
there straight. The lower part of the glass container is forcibly
cooled in a water bath of 10.degree.C. When the mixture in the
glass is semisolid or starts to set two previously polished dimes
are inserted in a non-flat position. The cooling continues till the
whole mass in the glass has solidified completely. Then more of the
molten mass is poured into the glass container up to 2 1/2 inches
from the bottom. This new layer is cooled till it sets in a water
bath. To the remaining molten mass in the 500 cc glass container is
added a red oil soluble color (DuPont) and a perfume composition
that is fit for a red color. (imitation carnation) After mixing
until uniform at 170.degree.C and after the bubbles rise to the
top, the system is poured into a glass mold. The final composition
in each glass container contains three layers; the bottom one is
light yellow in color with two dimes suspended in it; the second
layer is the same color with nothing suspended in it; the third
layer is red in color and perfumed with 3 percent perfume. The
above described procedure is used to create similar other effects
as well as radially layered compositions. Thus a 2 inches .times. 2
inches candle structure with the above described composition is
formed, taken out of the glass mold and placed at the center of a
new mold of 3 inches .times. 3 inches diameter. Then, a harder
composition is poured around the 2 inches .times. 2 inches
structure. The temperature of this resulting outside layer on
pouring does not exceed the melting point of the inside softer
composition. This outside layer comprises:
Components 100 Weight % Total Composition
______________________________________ 1. Castor oil 61.0 2. Cetyl
alcohol 7.0 3. Dibutyl phthalate 2.0 4. Ethyl cellulose, 200 cps
30.0 ______________________________________
The above composition is similarly prepared and is poured around
the 2 inches .times. 2 inches structure already made, now in the
new 3 feet .times. 3 feet mold. Pouring temperature is not higher
than about 170.degree.C. Metallic flowers are placed between the 2
inches .times. 2 inches candle structure and the walls of the 3
feet .times. 3 feet mold, but not touching the walls before pouring
the higher softening point composition around the 2 inches .times.
2 inches candle.
* * * * *