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Virgin Coconut Oil as A Performance Enhancer for Beeswax Candles
  • Muhammad Yusuf Aiman Mohd Nizar,
  • Muhammad Ridzuan Kamaruzaman
Muhammad Yusuf Aiman Mohd Nizar
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering
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Muhammad Ridzuan Kamaruzaman
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia School of Professional and Continuing Education - Kuala Lumpur Campus

Corresponding Author:mridzuan@utmspace.edu.my

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Abstract

Paraffin wax is derived from petrochemicals, which release harmful substances when burned in the form of candles. Beeswax serves as a natural and renewable alternative for making candles, offering cleaner burning that is safe for humans. The beeswax was mixed with virgin coconut oil (VCO) of 0 wt% to 55 wt% by weight at a temperature ranging from 75 °C to 85 °C. The resulting mixture was then cooled down in a glass container that had a wick installed. The wick was then burned to assess the candle’s performance. Beeswax candles have the slowest burning rate compared to other candles on the market. The best mixing temperature for melting and blending both materials without altering composition is 75 °C. Additionally, the incorporation of VCO in beeswax candle production can enhance performance by up to 35.4 % due to the reduction of the melting point, which increases the diffusion of wax into the wick.
Submitted to Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society
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