StefanIlarda

Gel Type Candle:

A candle where the primary fuel is a liquid such as mineral oil, terpene type chemicals, or modified hydrocarbons that are not mineral oil based which may or may not contain organic functional groups; it also contains a chemical agent to increase the viscosity (thicken) to a point where the candle has a quasi-rigid property.

(Extract from http://www.moyak.com/researcher/lifestyles/candles.html)

Does anyone know the answer to the following questions:

1. What kind of ‘terpene type’ chemicals can be used to make Gel candles ?

2. Is Turpentine a type of ‘terpene chemical’ ?

3. What kind of ‘modified hydrocarbons’ (not mineral oil based) can be used to make Gel candles ?

4. What are organic functional groups & which ones can be used in making Gel Candles ?

Stef

I've read somewhere that a 'GEL' like substance can be made of 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin. This resin is a powder/crystal that, when mixed with the mineral oil, transforms it to a more 'solid state'.

This final 'solid state' is then heat melted & end prod. resembles 'transparent soap' or 'solid gel'.

Can somebody pls. elaborate on this reaction between the 2 ingredients - is there heating required or adding of other ingredients etc,etc..

Stef.