Color_Changing_Flame_Candles_(High_School_Setup)

A Color Changing Candle: Changing the Color of a Candle Flame by Replacing the Fuel Proponents: Group Purple Evan Lao Andres Claparols Josh Lam Submitted to: Mr. Mel Andrew Chua Date: 2/5/09 I. Abstract The purpose for this IP is creating a new kind of candle contrary to its monotonous glow of yellow. Since there have been single colored flame candles already, this IP sought to investigate the development of a multi-color or color-changing flame candle. The procedure for this candle is actually very simple. Without hardeners, due to lack of time and resources, the product of this IP was designed to use the alcohol lamp concept, which incorporates liquids as a fuel. Basically, one would just pour in the fuel then add a layer of wax on top so the solution won’t spill. Trials for this candle have proven effective and vibrant, but there seems to be a problem with the scent and of course, the fact that the product is not yet a full-fledged candle. Nevertheless, we can therefore conclude that as far as the concept is concerned, this IP is a success since the product was still able to glow a color-changing flame. II. Acknowledgement Many Thanks to: Mr. Uy Khiek Peng Of Sakrete Enterprises For donating propylene glycol to the group III. Table of Contents IV. Introduction Background of the Study Candles are a very common product worldwide and have significance in most areas. Candles also come in many shapes and sizes, some for the purpose of excitement and decoration. However, their uniqueness is limited to the shape. Our group decided to further the uniqueness of a new kind of candle solely for the purpose of decoration or excitement. Inspired by the beautiful flames created during a flame test, our group aspired to incorporate this process into a candle. Our group aimed to create a candle with a colored fire instead of the usual luminous yellow. The candle would not be limited to this however, as the group also planned to create different layers on the candle per color, effectively allowing a changing color of flame as the candle is consumed. Objectives Our main objective is to create a candle or a product that very closely resembles a candle that gives a colored fire when ignited instead of the usual yellow. Throughout the research we have encountered several specific objectives for every stage of the research. We tested if metal ions would dissolve in paraffin wax or another material such as propylene glycol because we needed a homogenous solution. We also tested whether this solution would actually burn with a colored flame. We also tested if the solution would be able to go up through the wick to check if it would keep the fire alive. Finally, we tested the mechanics of the final color changing candle itself. Significance of the Study This study is important because it gives more variety to candles by introducing a new and exciting element into candles, the color of the flame. It is also important because it shows how the ability of metals to burn in a different color can be incorporated into a household item such as a candle. This could potentially lead others to use metals in other items. This can also be used more in the entertainment industry as decoration, or as a safer form of fireworks. Most important, the mere fact that this has never been created before is enough to prove the significance of our study. Scope and Limitations Our study will cover the properties and production of the many components of our candle with a colored flame. It will also show how to make the colors of the flame change. Our study will cover nothing further. Our research is limited to the materials we can find in Xavier School and contacts elsewhere. Because of this, our candle may not be the best method or design for a candle with a colored flame. Review of Related Literature I. Colored flame solid fuel and method United States Patent 4997457 A candle which uses an methyl alcohol as the fuel. It also has dibenzylidene sorbitol, cellulose ester and ethylene glycol to make the fuel solid. A metal ion compound is then added to give it the desired color. Uses of chemicals: methyl alcohol- fuel dibenzylidene sorbitol- gelation agent cellulose ester- assistant ethylene glycol- macromolecular assistant metal ion- color giving agent II. Color Flame Party Candles (12-pack) [pic] Product: Candles with colored flames This source showed us that a colored flame candle is possible* III. Polarity Polarity is a physical property of compounds which affects different properties such as boiling point, melting point, solubility and intermolecular bonds. IV. Flame Test The flame test is a test used to determine the type of metal by checking the color of the flame produced while on the flame of a Bunsen burner. Colors produce are: Red- Lithium, Strontium and calcium compounds Yellow- sodium compounds White- Zinc Green- Copper, Phosphates, Antimony, Molybdenum, Barium Blue- lead, selenium, Bismuth, Copper chloride, Antimony, Arsenic Violet- Potassium, Rubidium, Cesium V. Methodology Materials and Equipment • 300mL Propylene glycol • 2.5 grams of Copper (II) Sulfate • 2.5 grams of Strontium chloride • Shot glass (height: 2 ½ in.; diameter: 1 ¾ in.) • Ball of wick • Metal fastener or paperclip • Thin wooden stick (from a wooden broom) • Paraffin wax • 2.5 grams of Nickel (II) chloride Treatment/General Procedure 1. There are 2 types of candle fuels, one for making the fire red, the other, green. For the red flame fuel, 2.5 grams of strontium chloride should be added to 100 milliliters of propylene glycol. For the green flame fuel, 2.5 grams of copper (II) sulfate should be added to 100 milliliters of propylene glycol. (do not mix both solutions together) 2. The nickel chloride solution is prepared by adding 2.5 grams of the substance to 100mL of propylene glycol. This solution is for creating special sparks as the flame burns. 3. The wick should be cut an inch longer than the height of the shot glass. Using the dimensions mentioned above, the wick would be 3 ½ in. long. 4. The candle (alcohol lamp) wick is then be stiffened by tying it around a thin wooden stick. 5. When attaching the wick to the shot glass, a relatively heavier object such as a metal fastener (to be wrapped around the bottom of the wick) should be used as an anchor at the base. By applying steps 4 and 5, the wick should be able to stand on its own even if the fuel isn’t solid. 6. Create a double boiler setup by heating a beaker above a flame. Place the shot glass inside the beaker and fill the beaker with water until just below the mouth of the shot glass. The wick should be in place. 7. Both solutions are poured into the shot glass (with the wick is already in place), having the ratio of 1 part strontium chloride solution [10.71mL] to 3 parts copper (II) sulfate solution [32.14mL]to 3 parts nickel chloride solution [32.14mL]. Assuming that the shot glass has the dimensions mentioned above, the total volume of the fuel should be about 75mL. (This shouldn’t completely fill the shot glass.) *The numbers in the brackets are the volumes based on a 75mL fuel. 8. To make sure the fuel doesn’t spill, paraffin wax chunks are added into the shot glass. It is less dense, and it won’t mix with the glycol solutions even when melted; it would remain on above the glycol solution due to density and non-polarity. When it hardens, it should be around 1/4 to 2/5 inches thick. This will serve as a lid and surplus fuel for the product. VI. Results and Discussion Experiment 1: to make a regular candle made of paraffin wax change color by adding metal salts. This was done during the very early stages of our research. Results: Tests were tried by placing the salts on top of a candle and lighting it. This ended up failing as no color was achieved. Salts were also mixed into molten wax however they sank to the bottom and no color was seen. Analysis: From these tests, we concluded that since paraffin wax is a non-polar material, the ionic salts would not dissolve evenly and more importantly, would not dissociate into individual ions. Without this process, the flame test would not be possible. Experiment 2: Tests done by mixing our new material, propylene glycol and the salts. The process yielded results. Results: |Metal Salt |Color of Flame | |Strontium Chloride |Bright red | |Copper (II) Sulfate |Faint green | |Potassium Chloride |Purplish red | |Boric Acid |Green (picture) | |Copper (II) Chloride |Faint blue | |Nickel Sulphate |None (made sparks in flame) | Analysis: Strontium Chloride and Boric Acid made the brightest colors. Copper (II) Chloride is synthesized by mixing aqueous Strontium Chloride and Copper Sulfate. A mixture of SrCl2 and CuSO4 therefore would give a triple color of red, green and blue. Propylene glycol would be a good material for our candle; however we must find a way to compromise since the material is liquid. Experiment 3: Test on the capillarity effect of the wick. This was done by tying a wick to a metal stand and setting it on a pool of propylene glycol and salt mixture. Results: Tests on Strontium Chloride and Boric Acid gave good results. An alcohol lamp type setup with a visibly colored fire is seen, however if left alone, the pool of propylene glycol will ignite. Analysis: It is possible to make a candle-like product with our materials. Experiment 4: Test to see if layering by separation of paraffin wax works Results: The process had too many flaws to be successful. Our group observed that the paraffin wax upon contact with propylene glycol would freeze and then shrink. This would cause holes in the seals between layers. The seals would detach and float to the top, leaving the layers to mix. Analysis: Placing the numerous layers of denser propylene glycol above the paraffin wax would make the candle too unstable and unreliable. It would be better to abandon the layering method and create a candle with mixed colors. This could potentially create a better effect. Experiment 5: Testing the final candle by mixing all materials in a double boiler Results: The candle came out as homogeneous and a smooth layer of paraffin wax settled at the top without any leaks. When lit, for a short period the candle burns yellow, blue, green, red and sparking. After a while the luminous yellow disappears. Analysis: The wax layer is able to harden smoothly at the top as it cools along with the propylene glycol. This confirms that only a single layer of wax is possible. The luminous yellow comes from the burning wax and wick, as the yellow disappears, the candle becomes mainly non-luminous. The yellow element is still met by the sparking effect of the nickel chloride. It is a bonus to get a candle with a better effect than planned because now, all colors burn at the same time. Color change is still met as some colors disappear and reappear quickly as it burns and overall, the color is different from regular candles. When lit, the wax layer on top melts, but as the candle cools once more, the layer hardens into a seal once more. This allows the candle to be reusable. VII. Conclusion We can therefore conclude that it is possible to make a product very closely resembling a candle that has a color changing flame. This is done by heating and cooling a mixture of paraffin wax, propylene glycol and metal salts in a double boiler. The propylene glycol will dissolve the salts and allow them to dissociate. Upon lighting, the metal ions are excited and give of color as per the flame test. The paraffin wax, less dense and immiscible in propylene glycol would form a sealing layer at the top. Strictly, it cannot be called a candle because the fuel is liquid, however the product is tight and sealed so that there are no liquid leaks and could colloquially be called a candle. VIII. Recommendations Further research should focus on making the propylene glycol a solid fuel by adding a gelation agent. Groups with more resources can find materials such as dibenzylidene sorbitol that can be added into the liquid, turning it into a gel. Further research should also be focused on safety especially as this product involves many heavy metals being combusted into the air. Safety precautions should be explored such as the wearing of gas mask and proper use and disposal. Perhaps future groups can research on creating a safer version, one that does not release uncomfortable fumes in the air. On furthering the project, groups can explore other colors and color combinations as well. IX. Bibliography Colored flame party candles (12-pack). (n.d.) Retrieved February 4, 2009 from http://www.vat19.com/dvds/color-flame-party-candles.cfm Mitsusawa,T.,Ise,H. (1991). Colored flame solid fuel and method. Retrieved February 4, 2009 from http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4997457.html Molecular polarity. (n.d.) Retrieved February 4, 2009 from http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/vchembook/210polarity.html Qualitative analysis – flame tests. (n.d.) Retrieved February 4, 2009 from http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa110401a.htm