INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

Used Cooking Oil as Additive to Candles

Group (9 - Jasper)
Members: Camille Llorente Josephine Torres Cheska Macam Dorothy Domasian KP Rosales

Introduction People nowadays use candles in different ways. Not only do we use them to lighten the environment, but use it also as decorations in our own homes. Different kinds of candles are already out in the industry: scented candles with different colors, long, short, big or small. Some emits strong flame, some do not. Some candles are made up of wax and oil, but some are just purely composed of paraffin wax. This oil or cooking oil rather, when used are already considered as waste. If not thrown properly, it could cause drainages and canals to clog and such bad effects. So in this study we would use this used cooking oil as an additive to the candle. Instead of getting rid of it elsewhere, wed recycle it, reuse it to produce high quality yet cheap and low priced candles.

Review of Related Literature Paraffin wax was first introduced in 1850s after the chemists learned how-to efficiently separate the naturally-occurring waxy substance from petroleum and refine it. Odorless and bluish white in color, paraffin wax a boon to candle making because it burned cleanly. Candle making declined when light bulb was introduced in 1879. However, paraffin wax can be used in cases where its characteristics of resistance of water inertness, good electrical property are invaluable. On the other hand, cooking oil began to process vegetable oils thousands of years ago, utilizing food stuffs they had to obtain oils for a variety of cooking purposes as of today. In the 1960s corn oil first became available. Cotton oil, watermelon seed oil, grapeseed oil and the like, are now being consider as ways to make use of seeds that were, until recently considered as waste. The early wicked candles were used by the Egyptians in 3000 B.C.E., but the ancient Romans are generally credited with developing the wicked candle before that time by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax. Candles were used to light their homes, to aid travelers at night, and in religious ceremonies. Time passed candles are still used in our present time. Although no longer mans major source of light, they continue to grow in popularity and use. Candles nowadays symbolize celebration, romance and etc.

Methodology To know the difference between the candle with cooking oil as an additive and the candle without it, this experiment shall prove it. First, the paraffin wax should be turned into its liquid form. Place the paraffin wax in a pan and heat it under a mild flame. When the paraffin wax is already in its liquid form, place half amount of it in a cylinder container which is likely to be shaped like a candle and the other half in another separate cylinder container. Then, add some cooking oil in the first container while it is still in liquid form. Stir it well. If the cooking oil is used, strain it before adding it to the wax. When it's almost dry, place the 3- inch wick in the center. Now, for the second container, the same should be performed but nothing else should be added. Then add the 3-inch wick. Label the containers candle 1 for the one that contains the oil, then candle two for the pure wax candle. The two containers will be left in a cool dry place in order for the paraffin wax to dry and follow the shape of its container. After several hours, light both candles at the same time. (Ask for some help so that the lighting of the candles are EXACTLY at the same time) Then leave it lighted for 10 minutes. Observe.

NOTE: Both liquidized waxes MUST be of the same volume or measurement.

Results and Discussions

The candle 1 which contains used cooking oil as an additive lasted longer than the candle 2 which contains no additive oil at all. When both candles are lighted up for 10 minutes, candle 2 melted faster than candle 1.

*Candle one melts slower compared to candle 2

Summary We performed this experiment to know whether adding oil to paraffin wax would be more effective and much better than just purely paraffin wax. We wanted to produce cheaper yet effective candles that could light our homes. Using 2 containers of the same height with melted paraffin wax of the same volume and wicks of the same measure completed the experiment. Labeled candle 1 for the one which contains used cooking oil while the other labeled candle 2 which is purely paraffin wax. As we produced 2 candles, we lighted both at the same time then observed it's rate of melting. Indeed, candle 2 which is purely paraffin wax melted at a faster rate than candle 1 which has an additive of cooking oil. Candle one uses oil and this lasted because the oil candle is supplied with fuel as the oil level goes down. The flame remains constant until the last of the oil is burned. Therefore, used cooking oil which is considered waste nowadays can be used as an additive to candles which makes it emit much brighter flames than purely paraffin candles. It also melts slower than pure paraffin candles. So be sure to re-use those cooking oils at home for a much brighter home.

Sources of help: Bato Balani Volume 15 Issue 1, Junior. pp. 16-18. Candles, Waxes, Oils.