Wick for a candle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wick, in particular a wick for a candle, comprising at least a first wick material, the at least one wick material being cotton or viscose, the wick comprising at least 5 threads, the wick having a density in braidings per cm in the range of 2-20, preferably 3.5-18 and more preferably 5-16.5, the wick having a tear resistance of at least 20 N, and the ratio of tear resistance to number of threads (tear resistance / number of threads) is in the range of 1.8-4.2.

Description

[0001] Wick for a candle

[0002] The present invention relates to a wick and a candle comprising a wick according to the invention.

[0003] Wicks for candles must combine several properties. On the one hand, they must exhibit good burning behavior, but not burn out too quickly. On the other hand, the angle of curvature of the wick must be within a specified range to produce appropriate flame sizes and shapes.

[0004] To achieve these properties, various substances are regularly added to the wicks to influence their burning behavior. The interaction of all components is crucial to obtaining a wick with the appropriate curvature and favorable burning behavior.

[0005] Boron-containing substances such as boric acid, borates, or even borax are known to be used as flame retardants. These substances promote favorable burning behavior of the wick. The wick also has a favorable curvature.

[0006] However, borates, and especially borax, can have negative health effects and are classified as toxic to reproduction. This means that wicks impregnated, or soaked, with such substances are no longer desirable.

[0007] Borax-free wicks are known from the prior art, as shown, for example, in EP 3733817 A1, which were treated with impregnation solutions that do not contain borax.

[0008] In addition to being free of borax, it is desirable that wicks contain as few added additives as possible.

[0009] It is therefore of interest to provide wicks that are harmless to health and contain the fewest possible additives, while still maintaining the advantageous burning and curvature properties of conventional wicks containing boron compounds, particularly borates. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide wicks that are free of boron-containing substances. A further object is to provide wicks with a low number of additives. Furthermore, it is the object to provide wicks with good burning properties and good curvature behavior.

[0010] The present object is achieved by the wick according to the invention according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to candles according to claim 9, which comprise the wick according to the invention.

[0011] In one aspect, the invention relates to a wick, in particular a wick for a candle, comprising, preferably consisting of, at least one first wick material, wherein the at least one wick material is cotton or viscose; wherein the wick comprises at least 5 threads, wherein the wick has a density in braids per cm in the range from 2 to 20, preferably 3.5 to 18 and more preferably 5 to 16.5, wherein the wick has a tear strength of at least 20 N; and wherein the ratio of tear strength to thread count (tear strength / thread count) is in the range from 1.8 to 4.2.

[0012] The wick according to the invention is characterized by increased stiffness, eliminating the need for conventional means such as incorporating paper. This increased stiffness prevents the unwanted immersion of the wick tip into the liquid wax of the candle (overbending). Furthermore, the wick according to the invention is characterized by its balanced burning behavior. On the one hand, the wick forms a good curve, and on the other hand, it does not smolder, allowing multiple relightings.

[0013] A candle, as defined by the invention, is a candle material that includes a wick. Candle materials, as defined by the invention, are substances used as the primary fuel in a candle. Candles are therefore objects that comprise a candle material and a wick. The tensile strength is determined by the measured maximum tensile force.

[0014] A thread within the meaning of the invention is a so-called wick thread, which can be produced, for example, by spinning. Threads within the meaning of the invention can also be paraffined wick threads, in which case these are referred to as waxed threads within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the threads can also have a so-called finish. Within the scope of the invention, such threads are then referred to, for example, as finish-treated threads.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the first wick material is cotton. Preferably, the first wick material is bleached cotton, unbleached cotton, or a mixture thereof.

[0016] For example, individual threads can be made of bleached cotton and other threads can be made of unbleached cotton.

[0017] The threads can be processed as thread bundles, so the wick can consist of thread bundles of bleached cotton and thread bundles of unbleached cotton. Thread bundles are also called yarn bundles.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the wick consists of at least three bundles of threads, wherein the bundles of threads can consist of threads of bleached cotton and / or unbleached cotton.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first wick material consists of viscose.

[0020] The threads can be processed as thread bundles, so that the wick can consist of thread bundles made of viscose.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the wick consists of at least three bundles of threads, wherein the bundles of threads may consist of threads made of viscose.

[0022] The density in braids per cm is a parameter that indicates how many braids are located per centimeter of wick. The wicks according to the invention have a density in braids per cm in the range of 2 to 20, preferably 3.5 to 18, and more preferably 5 to 16.5. This parameter is a relevant parameter for the fire properties. According to a further preferred embodiment, the wick has a tear strength of at least 50 N and preferably at least 60 N. The wicks generally have a tear strength of no more than 400 N, preferably less than 300 N, and even more preferably less than 250 N.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the wick, the ratio of tensile strength to thread count (tensile strength / thread count) is in the range of 2.0 to 4.0, and preferably in the range of 2.2 to 3.8. No units are specified for this ratio. If units are specified, in the preferred embodiment of the wick, the ratio of tensile strength to thread count (tensile strength / thread count) would be in the range of 2.0 N to 4.0 N, and preferably in the range of 2.2 N to 3.8 N. Accordingly, the value in the unit Newton ("N") is substituted into the tensile strength to thread count ratio.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the wick satisfies inequality (I):

[0025] 0.0005 < ((1 / number of threads) / density in braids per cm) < 0.01 (I).

[0026] Inequality (I) reflects a property of the wick according to the invention that is advantageous for the desired burning properties of the wick. Furthermore, wicks that satisfy this inequality exhibit advantageous wick stiffness. The density in braids per cm is a parameter that indicates how many braids are present per centimeter of wick. No units are specified for this ratio.

[0027] Preferably, the wick

[0028] 0.0009 < ((1 / number of threads) / density in braids per cm) < 0.005.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the wick has a width of 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.8 to 4.4 mm and more preferably 1.0 to 4.0 mm.

[0030] The width of a wick refers to the diameter of a round wick. For a square wick, such as a flat wick, the width of the wick refers to the width of the widest side of the wick. A flat wick with a widest side of 1.5 mm has a width of 1.5 mm according to this definition.

[0031] According to a further preferred embodiment, the wick satisfies:

[0032] 0.03 < ((1 / wick width in mm) / density in braids per cm) < 0.06 (II) Preferably the wick complies

[0033] 0.035 < ((1 / wick width in mm) / density in braids per cm) < 0.055.

[0034] Wick width in mm and density in braids per cm are related to each other, which is expressed by inequality (II). If inequality (II) is satisfied, the wicks have favorable burning properties. No units are specified. The density in braids per cm is a parameter that indicates how many braids are present per centimeter of wick.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the wick has a thread count in the range of 5 to 150 threads, preferably in the range of 15 to 120 threads and more preferably in the range of 18 to 110 threads.

[0036] Wicks with a lower thread count are unsuitable for evenly transporting fuel to the wick tip. Wicks with a higher thread count are too wide if they satisfy the aforementioned inequalities.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the threads have a Nm value (metric number) between Nm 5 and Nm 120, preferably between Nm 8 and Nm 110 and more preferably between Nm 10 and Nm 100.

[0038] Preferably, the wick is a flat wick or a round wick, particularly preferably a flat wick.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the wick is a flat wick with 3, 5, 7 or 9 yarn bundles.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the wick is a round wick with 4 or 8 yarn bundles.

[0041] The yarn bundles preferably have between 2 and 30, preferably 4 and 24 and more preferably 6 and 30 threads.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the wick comprises a second wick material, wherein the second wick material is different from the first wick material.

[0043] Preferably, the second wick material is selected from the group consisting of bleached cotton, unbleached cotton, viscose, linen, rayon, cellulose fibers, paper yarn or combinations thereof, and preferably bleached cotton, unbleached cotton, viscose, linen or combinations thereof.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the wick comprises a second wick material selected from the group consisting of bleached cotton, unbleached cotton, viscose, linen, rayon, cellulose fibers, paper yarn or combinations thereof, and preferably bleached cotton, unbleached cotton, viscose, linen or combinations thereof, wherein the second wick material is different from the first wick material.

[0045] The wick according to the invention can also comprise wick wax. The wick wax is regularly applied to the outside of the wick after braiding and before use in a candle.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the threads have a finishing treatment and preferably all threads have a finishing treatment.

[0047] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least some of the threads have a finishing agent and preferably all threads have a finishing agent, and the wick is free from further additives.

[0048] It is further preferred that the wick be free of boron compounds, preferably free of borax. Free of boron compounds here means that the wick contains less than 0.001 wt.%, preferably less than 0.0001 wt.%, and even more preferably less than 0.00001 wt.% of borax, based on the total weight of the wick.

[0049] In one embodiment, the wick comprises an inorganic sulfate, preferably an inorganic sulfate selected from the group consisting of lithium sulfate, beryllium sulfate, sodium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, magnesium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and calcium sulfate, and more preferably potassium sulfate; and / or the wick comprises an inorganic hydrogen sulfate, preferably lithium hydrogen sulfate, beryllium hydrogen sulfate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, ammonium hydrogen sulfate, aluminum hydrogen sulfate, magnesium hydrogen sulfate, potassium hydrogen sulfate, and calcium hydrogen sulfate, and more preferably potassium hydrogen sulfate. According to one embodiment, the proportion of inorganic sulfate is from 0.00001 to 1 wt.%, preferably 0.0001 to 0.5 wt.%, and more preferably 0.001 to 0.25 wt.%, based on the total weight of the wick.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, the proportion of inorganic hydrogen sulfate is from 0.00001 to 1 wt.%, preferably 0.0001 to 0.5 wt.% and more preferably 0.001 to 0.25 wt.% based on the total weight of the wick.

[0051] In one embodiment, the proportion of inorganic sulfate is less than 1 wt.%, preferably less than 0.5 wt.%, more preferably less than 0.25 wt.% and even more preferably less than 0.05 wt.% based on the total weight of the wick.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the proportion of inorganic hydrogen sulfate is less than 1 wt.%, preferably less than 0.5 wt.%, more preferably less than 0.25 wt.% and even more preferably less than 0.05 wt.% based on the total weight of the wick.

[0053] The wick according to the invention preferably contains inorganic sulfate, inorganic hydrogen sulfate, and / or sulfuric acid. The wick preferably contains inorganic sulfate and inorganic hydrogen sulfate.

[0054] According to a further embodiment, the wick according to the invention comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of ammonium nitrate, cerium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, urea, paraffin, a polymer or combinations thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of cerium nitrate, paraffin or combinations thereof, and more preferably cerium nitrate.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, the wick according to the invention comprises at least one boron-free flame retardant, wherein the at least one flame retardant is preferably a phosphorus-containing inorganic substance, more preferably polyphosphoric acid and / or polyphosphate, more preferably ammonium polyphosphate.

[0056] A flame retardant prevents the wick from decomposing. Decomposition in this context refers to the so-called glow-off, i.e., the wick glowing during the candle's burning. The flame retardant can therefore, among other things, be responsible for favorable burning behavior, while simultaneously eliminating the need for harmful boron-containing substances.

[0057] Flame retardants according to the invention are all flame retardants known to the person skilled in the art that are suitable for use in wicks and are boron-free.

[0058] Preferably, the at least one flame retardant is selected from the group consisting of inorganic phosphorus-containing substances, phosphates, organic phosphorus compounds, nitrogen compounds, silica, or combinations thereof. The phosphates are preferably selected from inorganic and organic phosphates, more preferably from dihydrogen phosphates, hydrogen phosphates, polyphosphates, and / or combinations thereof, even more preferably from ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, or combinations thereof. Particularly preferably, the at least one flame retardant is polyphosphoric acid and / or polyphosphate, and most preferably ammonium polyphosphate.

[0059] The organic phosphorus compounds are preferably ammonium salts of organic phosphorus compounds.

[0060] The nitrogen compounds are preferably selected from inorganic nitrogen compounds, organic nitrogen compounds or combinations thereof, preferably from inorganic nitrogen compounds.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the wick has not been treated with an impregnation solution.

[0062] However, it is possible that individual thread bundles were treated with an impregnation solution before braiding. Preferably, at least one thread bundle was treated with an impregnation solution before braiding.

[0063] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a wick, in particular a wick for a candle, comprising, preferably consisting of, at least one first wick material, wherein the at least one wick material is cotton or viscose; wherein the wick comprises at least 5 threads, wherein the wick has a density in braids per cm in the range from 2 to 20, preferably 3.5 to 18 and more preferably 5 to 16.5, wherein the wick has a width of 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably from 0.8 to 4.4 mm and more preferably from 1.0 to 4.0 mm; and wherein the wick

[0064] 0.03 < ((1 / wick width in mm) / density in braids per cm) < 0.06 (II) and preferably 0.035 < ((1 / wick width in mm) / density in braids per cm) < 0.055. The above statements regarding the wick according to the invention also apply to this aspect.

[0065] In another aspect, the invention relates to a candle comprising a wick according to the invention.

[0066] The above statements regarding the wicks according to the invention also apply, where applicable, to the candle according to the invention.

[0067] A candle, as defined by the invention, is a candle material that includes a wick. Candle materials, as defined by the invention, are substances used as the primary fuel in a candle.

[0068] The candle materials can be selected from the group consisting of paraffin, stearin of animal and / or plant origin, beeswax, palm wax, soy wax, rapeseed wax, olive wax, coconut wax, fats of animal and / or plant origin, or combinations thereof. The candle according to the invention can thus also be made from various candle materials.

[0069] Furthermore, the candle according to the invention can contain additives such as fragrances, dyes or combinations thereof.

[0070] The candle can have any form known to the person skilled in the art, in particular tealight, pillar candle, glass candle or stick candle.

[0071] It is preferred that the candle comprises candle material selected from the group consisting of paraffin, stearin of animal and / or vegetable origin, beeswax, palm wax, soy wax, rapeseed wax, olive wax, coconut wax, fats of animal or vegetable origin or combinations thereof.

[0072] The candle can also include other common candle materials.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the candle contains at least one fragrance. The candle can also contain multiple fragrances.

[0074] Preferably the candle is a scented candle.

[0075] In a further preferred embodiment, the candle contains at least one essential oil. According to a further preferred embodiment, the candle contains at least one colorant. The candle may also contain other colorants.

[0076] The candle may also contain other additives.

[0077] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a wick according to the invention in a candle, a scented candle, a candle in a container or a pillar candle (freestanding).

[0078] All aforementioned embodiments regarding the wick and the candle also apply to this aspect if transferable.

[0079] The wick according to the invention can also be used in a torch.

[0080] Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, which, however, are not to be understood as limiting in any way. All embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another within the scope of the invention.

[0081] Examples of implementation

[0082] Materials

[0083] The wax blend used is a mixture of 50% paraffin and 50% soy wax.

[0084] Waxes were purchased from DISTREBUTION Hamburg (Germany).

[0085] The wick material is bleached or unbleached cotton.

[0086] Experimental procedure

[0087] The wicks according to the invention, EBO to EB8, and the comparison wicks, VB1 and VB2, are listed in Table 1. Table 1: Tested wicks EBO to EB8 and VB1 and VB2

[0088] GB: yarn bundle; Bg: bleached cotton with finish; Bu: unbleached cotton

[0089] braiding

[0090] Wicks according to the invention EBO to EB8

[0091] The wicks according to the invention were braided from the number of threads specified in Table 1 on a Herzog 5-series soutache braiding machine. Flat wicks were produced.

[0092] The braiding densities in braids per cm braid of the wicks according to the invention are listed in Table 1.

[0093] The comparison wicks VB1 and VB2 are commercially available wicks.

[0094] Comparison wick VB1

[0095] The wick, VB1, was braided on a Herzog 3-speed soutache braiding machine. A flat wick was obtained from three identical yarn bundles, each with 7 threads (Nm 34 / 1) of bleached cotton with a softener, and two identical yarn bundles (warp threads; Nm 34 / 1) each with 4 threads of unbleached cotton. The braiding density is 4.8 braids per cm of braid. Comparison wick VB2

[0096] The wick, VB2, was braided on a Herzog 8-square braiding machine. A round wick was obtained from 8 identical yarn bundles, each with 7 threads (Nm 34 / 1) of bleached cotton with finish, and 3 identical yarn bundles (warp threads; Nm 34 / 1), each with 6 threads of bleached cotton with finish. The braiding density is 4.6 braids per cm of braid.

[0097] Burning tests

[0098] Wick wax was heated to 90 °C and, once completely melted, stirred. The wicks were placed in the wick holder for approximately 2 seconds until no more air bubbles rose. Excess wax was trimmed to a thickness of 2.20 mm using a caliper disc.

[0099] The resulting wicks were then fixed in the center of a container with a diameter of 70 mm and a height of 80 mm. The container was filled with a wax mixture consisting of 50% paraffin and 50% soy wax. The wax mixture has a fragrance content of 8% by weight. The wick exhibited very high stability (rigidity) during the pouring of the wax, which had a positive effect on its subsequent burning behavior. After 24 hours (when the candle mass had completely cooled down), the wick was shortened to 20 mm above the wax surface. The candle was burned for 4 hours according to RAL specifications and then extinguished. After a cooling time of 2 hours, it was relit. This process was repeated until the wax was used up. The burning behavior was evaluated every 0.5 h.

[0100] For the fire tests, the room temperature was 20 °C and there was no draft.

[0101] The burning behavior was as follows:

[0102] The burning behavior of all wicks according to the invention, EB0 to EB8, was good and met the RAL-GZ 041 requirements. The wick always had a curvature between 45° and 90°. The wicks exhibited no slug formation during burning, and there was no overbending (the wick tip immersing in the liquid wax) or smoldering of the wick. This burning behavior is designated "+" in Table 2.

[0103] The burning behavior of the comparison wicks VB1 and VB2 did not meet the RAL-GZ 041 requirements. The curvature of the wicks was not within the 45° and 90° range. Furthermore, large slugs formed during burning. The wicks submerged in the liquid wax after several burning cycles. This burning behavior is indicated by " in Table 2."

[0104] Tensile tests (tear strength (maximum tensile force))

[0105] The wick was tested in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2062 2010-04 as follows. The maximum tensile strength was determined.

[0106] Preload: 2 N

[0107] Clamping length: 250 mm

[0108] Speed: 250 mm / min.

[0109] Tear tests were conducted under non-climate-controlled conditions because the wick was to be tested under production conditions.

[0110] Ten experiments were carried out and the mean value was determined.

[0111] Table 2: Wick properties

[0112] *: No units are specified for the ratio. **: No units are specified for the ratio. ***: No units are specified for the ratio.

[0113] As can be seen from Table 2, the wicks according to the invention exhibit favorable burning behavior. The comparison wicks, which do not have the same tensile strength to thread count ratio as the wicks according to the invention, do not exhibit good burning behavior.

Claims

Patent claims 1 . A wick, in particular a wick for a candle, comprising at least a first wick material, wherein the at least one wick material is cotton or viscose; wherein the wick comprises at least 5 threads, wherein the wick has a density in braids per cm in the range of 2 to 20, preferably 3.5 to 18 and more preferably 5 to 16.5, wherein the wick has a tear strength of at least 20 N; and wherein the ratio of tear strength to thread count (tear strength / thread count) is in the range of 1.8 to 4.

2.

2. Wick according to claim 1, wherein the wick has a width of 0.5 to 5 mm, preferably 0.8 to 4.4 mm and more preferably 1.0 to 4.0 mm; and / or wherein the wick 0.0005 < ((1 / number of threads) / density in braids per cm) < 0.01 (I), and preferably 0.0009 < ((1 / number of threads) / density in braids per cm) < 0.005 is met.

3. Wick according to claim 2, wherein the wick 0.03 < ((1 / wick width in mm) / density in braids per cm) < 0.06 (II) and preferably 0.035 < ((1 / wick width in mm) / density in braids per cm) < 0.

055.

4. Wick according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wick has a thread count in the range of 5 to 150 threads, and preferably 15 to 120 threads; and / or wherein the threads have an Nm value (metric number) between Nm 5 and Nm 120, preferably between Nm 8 and Nm 110, and more preferably between Nm 10 and Nm 100.

5. Wick according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wick has a tensile strength of at least 50 N and preferably of at least 60 N; and / or wherein the wick is a flat wick or a round wick; and / or wherein the wick is a flat wick with 3, 5, 7, or 9 yarn bundles or a round wick with 4 or 8 yarn bundles.

6. A wick according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wick material is bleached cotton, unbleached cotton, or a mixture thereof; and / or wherein the first wick material is viscose; and / or wherein the ratio of tensile strength to thread count (tensile strength / thread count) is in the range of 2.0 to 4.0, and preferably from 2.2 to 3.

8.

7. A wick according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wick comprises a second wick material, wherein the second wick material is different from the first wick material; and / or wherein the wick comprises a second wick material selected from the group consisting of bleached cotton, unbleached cotton, viscose, linen, rayon, cellulose fibers, paper yarn, or combinations thereof, preferably bleached cotton, unbleached cotton, viscose, linen, or combinations thereof, wherein the second wick material is different from the first wick material.

8. Wick according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the threads have a finish and preferably all of the threads have a finish; and / or wherein at least some of the threads have a finish and preferably all of the threads have a finish, and wherein the wick is free from further additives; and / or wherein the wick is free from boron compounds, preferably free from borax; and / or wherein the wick has not been treated with an impregnation solution.

9. A candle comprising a wick according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The candle according to claim 9, wherein the candle comprises candle material selected from the group consisting of paraffin, stearin of animal and / or plant origin, beeswax, palm wax, soy wax, rapeseed wax, olive wax, coconut wax, fats of animal or plant origin, or combinations thereof; and / or wherein the candle contains at least one fragrance; and / or wherein the candle contains at least one colorant.

Images