Plant-based wax

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to a wax composition, which may be useful in candle-making applications. The wax composition generally comprises a first fat blend having from about 5 wt% to about 30 wt% total lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) and from about 30 wt% to about 65 wt% palmitic acid (C16:0), and a second fat blend having from about 25 wt% to about 60 wt% stearic acid (C18:0) and from about 10 wt% to about 55 wt% oleic acid (C18:1), wherein said wt% is relative to the acid bound as acyl groups in glycerides in each fat blend and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids. The present disclosure also relates to a candle comprising a wick at least partially surrounded by a candle wax composition as herein described.

Description

PLANT-BASED WAXCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 602,938 filed on November 27, 2023 and European Patent Application 23217994.5 filed on December 19, 2023, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to waxes using plant-based fats or oils, some of which may be fully or partially hydrogenated, said waxes being particularly useful in candle making.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Candlemakers have traditionally used petroleum-based paraffin wax to make candles. Paraffin waxes are known to generate soot and smoke when burning. Paraffin is also generated from a non-renewable resource and is therefore not aligned with sustainable initiatives.

[0004] Plant-based waxes (e.g., soy, palm, coconut, etc.) have gained recent popularity in candle making due to their sustainability and clean burning properties. However, plant-based wax candles are known to suffer from developing frosting (undesirable white crystal growth on the surface and sides of the candle), rough tops (uneven surface of the candle), wet spots (pull away from container sides), and other deficiencies upon wax pour. The present disclosure seeks to address these and other issues.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a wax composition comprising a first fat blend having from about 5 wt% to about 30 wt% total lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) and from about 30 wt% to about 65 wt% palmitic acid (Cl 6:0); and a second fat blend having from about 25 wt% to about 60 wt% stearic acid (Cl 8:0) and from about 10 wt% to about 55 wt% oleic acid (Cl 8: 1); and wherein said wt% is relative to the acidbound as acyl groups in glycerides in each fat blend and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0006] The present disclosure also relates to a wax composition comprising (a) at least about 75 wt% of a first component, relative to the total weight of the wax composition, comprising triglycerides comprising: (i) at least about 4 wt% lauric acid (C12:0), (ii) at least about 1 wt% myristic acid (C14:0), (iii) from about 10 wt% to about 25 wt% oleic acid Cl 8: 1, and (iv) from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt% linoleic acid (Cl 8:2), wherein the wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the first component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids; and (b) less than about 10 wt% of a second component relative to the total weight of the wax composition, comprising monoglycerides, diglycerides, or a mixture of monoglycerides and diglycerides, the monoglycerides, the diglycerides, or the mixture of monoglycerides and diglycerides comprising: (i) from about 75 wt% to about 95 wt% stearic acid (C18:0), (ii) less than about 5 wt% oleic acid (C18: l), and (iii) less than about 3 wt% linoleic acid (C18:2), wherein said wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the second component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0007] The wax compositions described herein are particularly useful in candle making. Thus, the present disclosure also contemplates a candle comprising a wick at least partially surrounded by a candle wax composition, the candle wax composition comprising any such wax composition as described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a photograph of the comparative wax compositions l(Code 29, shown at center) and 2(Code 33, shown at left), and the Control(shown at right), respectively, tested in Example 2, showing comparative flame height and melt pools.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a photograph of wax composition (Code 72), tested in Example 2, showing a smooth top surface with minimal frosting.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a photograph of wax composition 2 (Code 73), tested in Example 2, showing a smooth top surface with minimal frosting.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a photograph of wax composition 1 (Code 72) and the Control (shown at right), respectively, tested in Example 2, showing comparative flame and melt pools.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Disclosed herein is a wax composition useful for candles, the wax composition combining certain base oils and additives at disclosed percentages and ratios to overcome drawbacks and disadvantages from both traditional paraffin waxes and common non-paraffin, plant-based or insect-based wax alternatives.

[0013] As used herein, the term “about” to modify a number is meant to include the number recited plus or minus 10%, preferably 5% or preferably 2%. Where legally permissible recitation of a value in a claim means about the value. Use of about in a claim or in the specification is not intended to limit the full scope of covered equivalents.

[0014] The term “fat” refers to glyceride fats and oils containing fatty acid acyl groups and does not imply any particular melting point. The term “oil” is used synonymously with “fat.” Fats predominantly comprise triglycerides.

[0015] The term “fatty acid,” as used herein, refers to straight chain saturated or unsaturated (including mono- and poly-unsaturated) carboxylic acids having from 8 to 24 carbon atoms. A fatty acid having n carbon atoms and x double bonds may be denoted Cn:x. For example, palmitic acid may be denoted C16:0 and oleic acid may be denoted Cl 8: 1. Percentages of fatty acids in compositions referred to herein include acyl groups in tri-, di-, and mono-glycerides present in the glycerides as is customary terminology in the art and are based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids. The fatty acid profile (i.e., composition) may be determined, for example, by fatty acid methyl ester analysis (FAME) using gas chromatography according to ISO 12966-2:2014 and ISO 12966-4:2015.

[0016] The term “hydrogenated fat” or “hydrogenated oil,” unless otherwise specified, refers to fully or partially hydrogenated oil(s). The term “fully hydrogenated oil” (abbreviated FHO) refers to an oil that has undergone hydrogenation to convert all or almost all its unsaturated fatty acid residues into saturated fatty acid residues. The term “partially hydrogenated oil” (abbreviated PHO) refers to an oil that has undergone hydrogenation to convert a portion of its unsaturated fatty acid residues into saturated fatty acid residues. Suitable process conditions and methods for hydrogenation of oils are known in the art, and any suitable fat hydrogenation process can be used to produce the fully and partially hydrogenated oils of the present disclosure.

[0017] The term “interesterification” or “interesterified” refers to the method of rearranging the fatty acid on the glycerol backbone of a triglyceride, which can be done either chemically or enzymatically, unless otherwise specified.

[0018] The term “iodine value” refers to the number of grams of iodine that could be added to 100 g of oil, which is measured with the AOCS Method cd 1-25 or AOCS Method cd 1-85.

[0019] The wax composition of the present disclosure can include a first fat blend having a relatively high proportion of lauric acid (C12:0), myristic acid (C14:0), or combined sum of lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0). For example, the first fat blend can have from about 5 wt% to about 30 wt% total lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0), based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids, preferably, from about 10 wt% to about 20 wt%, and more preferably, from about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%. The first fat blend can have from about 3 wt% to about 20 wt% lauric acid (C12:0) based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids, preferably, from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt%, and more preferably, from about 5 wt% to about 12 wt%. The first fat blend can have from about 0.5 wt% to about 10 wt% myristic acid (C14:0) based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids, preferably, from about 1 wt% to about 8 wt%, and more preferably, from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%. Without being bound to a particular theory, it is believed that candles produced from a wax composition having higher proportions of lauric and myristic acid as compared to similar waxes with lower proportions of lauric and myristic acid can achieve smoother surfaces, less pull away from containers, and similar burning properties to traditional paraffin candles.

[0020] The first fat blend can also include from about 30 wt% to about 65 wt% palmitic acid (Cl 6:0) based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids, preferably from about 35 wt% to about 60 wt%, and more preferably from about 45 wt% to about 60 wt%.

[0021] The first fat blend can comprise at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, palm stearin, palm olein, cottonseed oil, fully hydrogenated palm oil, fully hydrogenated palm stearin, fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil, a fraction thereof, and a mixture of any thereof. The first fat blend can further comprise at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm kernel oil, coconut oil, a fraction thereof, and a mixture of any thereof.

[0022] The wax composition can also include a second fat blend. The second fat blend can have from about 25 wt% to about 60 wt% stearic acid (Cl 8:0) based on the totalweight of C8 to C24 fatty acids, preferably, from about 30 wt% to about 55 wt%, and more preferably, from about 30 wt% to about 50 wt%. The second fat blend can also have from about 10 wt% to about 55 wt% oleic acid (Cl 8: 1) based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids, preferably, from about 10 wt% to about 45 wt%, and more preferably, from about 10 wt% to about 35 wt%. The second fat blend can also have from about 15 wt% to about 45 wt% linoleic acid (Cl 8:2) based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids, preferably, from about 20 wt% to about 40 wt%, and more preferably, from about 25 wt% to about 35 wt%.

[0023] The second fat blend can comprise a fully hydrogenated liquid oil. Preferably, the second fat blend comprises from about 25 wt% to about 50 wt% of a fully hydrogenated liquid oil, wherein the wt% is relative to the total weight of the second fat blend. The fully hydrogenated liquid oil can comprise at least one fat selected from the group consisting of fully hydrogenated soybean oil, fully hydrogenated sunflower oil, fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil, fully hydrogenated canola oil, fully hydrogenated com oil, fully hydrogenated high oleic sunflower oil, fully hydrogenated high oleic canola oil, fully hydrogenated high oleic soybean oil, and a mixture of any thereof.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first fat blend is interesterified. In another embodiment, the second fat blend is interesterified. Preferably, each of the first fat blend and the second fat blend are interesterified.

[0025] In a preferred aspect, the first fat blend of the wax composition as disclosed herein comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, palm stearin, palm olein, a fraction thereof and a mixture thereof and at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm kernel oil, coconut oil, a fraction thereof and a mixture thereof; wherein the first fat blend is interesterified.

[0026] In a more preferred aspect, the first fat blend of the wax composition as disclosed herein is an interesterified blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil or an interesterified blend of palm stearin and palm kernel oil.

[0027] In an even more preferred aspect, the first fat blend of the wax composition as disclosed herein is an interesterified blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil in a weight ratio of from 60:40 to 90: 10.

[0028] In a preferred aspect, the second fat blend of the wax composition as disclosed herein comprises an interesterified blend of soybean oil and fully hydrogenated soybean oil.

[0029] In a more preferred aspect, the second fat blend of the wax composition as disclosed herein is an interesterified blend of soybean oil and fully hydrogenated soybean oil in a weight ratio of from 50:50 to 70:30.

[0030] The wax composition can comprise from about 45 wt% to about 90 wt% of the first fat blend, preferably, from about 50 wt% to about 89 wt%, and more preferably, from about 60 wt% to about 85 wt%, wherein the wt% is relative to the total weight of the wax composition. The wax composition can further comprise from about 6 wt% to about 45 wt% of the second fat blend, preferably, from about 9 wt% to about 40 wt%, and more preferably, from about 15 wt% to about 30 wt%, wherein the wt% is relative to the total weight of the wax composition.

[0031] In a preferred aspect, the wax composition as disclosed herein comprises from about 45 wt% to about 90 wt% of a first fat blend, relative to the total weight of the wax composition, having from about 5 wt% to about 30 wt% total lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) and from about 30 wt% to about 65 wt% palmitic acid (Cl 6:0), wherein said wt% is relative to the acid bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the first fat blend and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids; and from about 6 wt% to about 45 wt% of a second fat blend, relative to the total weight of the wax composition, having from about 25 wt% to about 60 wt% stearic acid (C18:0) and from about 10 wt% to about 55% oleic acid (C18: 1), wherein said wt% is relative to the acid bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the second fat blend and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0032] In a more preferred aspect, the wax composition as disclosed herein comprises from about 50 wt% to about 89 wt% of a first fat blend which is interesterified, relative to the total weight of the wax composition, having from about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% total lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) and from about 35 wt% to about 60 wt% palmitic acid (C16:0), wherein said wt% is relative to the acid bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the first fat blend and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids; and from about 9 wt% to about 40 wt% of a second fat blend which is interesterified, relative to the total weight of the wax composition, having from about 30 wt% to about 55 wt% stearic acid (C18:0) and from about 10 wt% to about 45% oleic acid (C18: l), wherein said wt% is relative to the acid bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the second fat blend and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0033] In an even more preferred aspect, the wax composition as disclosed herein comprises from about 60 wt% to about 85 wt% of a first fat blend which is interesterified, relative to the total weight of the wax composition, having from about 10 wt% to about 15 wt% total lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) and from about 45 wt% to about 60 wt% palmitic acid (C16:0), wherein said wt% is relative to the acid bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the first fat blend and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids; and from about 15 wt% to about 30 wt% of a second fat blend which is interesterified, relative to the total weight of the wax composition, having from about 30 wt% to about 50 wt% stearic acid (C18:0) and from about 10 wt% to about 35% oleic acid (C18: l), wherein said wt% is relative to the acid bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the second fat blend and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first fat blend and the second fat blend combined is referred to collectively as the first component. The first component can comprise triglycerides comprising at least about 4 wt% lauric acid (C12:0), preferably, at least about 5 wt%, and more preferably, from about 6 wt% to about 15 wt%. The first component triglycerides can further comprise at least about 1 wt% myristic acid (C14:0), preferably, at least about 2 wt%, and more preferably, from about 2.5 wt% to 8.0 wt%. The first component triglycerides can further comprise from about 10 wt% to about 25 wt% oleic acid (Cl 8: 1), preferably from about 15 wt% to about 25 wt%, and more preferably from about 18 wt% to about 25 wt%. The first component triglycerides can also comprise from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt% linoleic acid (Cl 8:2), preferably from about 7 wt% to about 15 wt%, and more preferably from about 8 wt% to about 12 wt%. The first component triglycerides can further comprise from about 35 wt% to about 50 wt% palmitic acid (Cl 6:0), preferably, from about 35 wt% to about 48 wt%, and more preferably, from about 38 wt% to about 45 wt%. It is understood that each wt% referred to above is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the first component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0035] The first component may be present in the wax composition in a concentration of at least about 75 wt%, based on the total weight of the wax composition, preferably, at least about 85 wt%, and more preferably, at least about 95 wt%.

[0036] The wax composition can further comprise a fatty component. The fatty component can be selected from the group consisting of a free fatty acid, monoglyceride, diglyceride, propylene glycol ester, polyglycerol ester, sorbitan ester and a mixture of anythereof. The fatty component can be present in the wax composition in a concentration from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, preferably from about 1 wt% to about 8 wt%, and more preferably from about 2 wt% to about 5 wt%, wherein the wt% is relative to the total weight of the wax composition. The fatty component can have at least about 70 wt% saturated fatty acids, preferably at least about 80 wt%, and more preferably, at least about 90 wt%, wherein said wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the fatty component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids. The fatty component preferably has at least about 80 wt% total palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) and more preferably from about 85 wt% to 98 wt%; wherein the wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the fatty component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids. In a preferred aspect, the fatty component of the wax composition as disclosed herein has from 80 wt% to 90 wt% stearic acid (C18:0); wherein the wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the fatty component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0037] In various embodiments, the fatty component may be referred to as the second component. The second component can comprise monoglycerides, diglycerides, or a mixture of monoglycerides, and diglycerides. These monoglycerides, diglycerides, or mixtures of mono- and di -glycerides can comprise from about 75 wt% to about 95 wt% stearic acid (Cl 8:0), preferably from about 80 wt% to about 95 wt%, and more preferably, from about 80 wt% to about 90 wt%. The second component can also comprise less than about 5 wt% oleic acid (C18: l), preferably, less than about 3 wt%, and more preferably, less than about 2 wt%. The second component can further comprise less than about 3 wt% linoleic acid (Cl 8:2), preferably, less than about 2 wt%, and more preferably, less than about 1 wt%. It is understood that each wt% referred to above is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the first component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0038] The second component may be present in the wax composition in a concentration of less than about 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the wax composition, preferably, from less than about 7 wt%, and more preferably, from about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%.

[0039] In a preferred aspect, the wax composition as disclosed herein comprises from about 45 wt% to about 89 wt% of the first fat blend as disclosed herein; from about 10 wt% to about 45 wt% of the second fat blend as disclosed herein; and from about 1 wt%to about 10 wt% of the fatty component as disclosed herein, wherein the wt% is relative to the total weight of the wax composition.

[0040] In a more preferred aspect, the wax composition as disclosed herein comprises from about 50 wt% to about 89 wt% of the first fat blend as disclosed herein; from about 9 wt% to about 40 wt% of the second fat blend as disclosed herein; and from about 1 wt% to about 8 wt% of the fatty component as disclosed herein, wherein the wt% is relative to the total weight of the wax composition.

[0041] In an even more preferred aspect, the wax composition as disclosed herein comprises from about 60 wt% to about 85 wt% of the first fat blend which is interesterified as disclosed herein; from about 15 wt% to about 30 wt% of the second fat blend which is interesterified as disclosed herein; and from about 2 wt% to about 5 wt% of the fatty component selected from the group consisting of monoglyceride, diglyceride and a mixture thereof as disclosed herein, wherein the wt% is relative to the total weight of the wax composition.

[0042] The wax composition of the present disclosure can comprise at least about 45 wt% saturated fatty acids, preferably, at least about 50 wt%, and more preferably, from about 55 wt% to about 75 wt%, wherein said wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the composition and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0043] The weight ratio of total lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) to saturated fatty acids in the wax composition as disclosed herein is preferably from 0.05 to 0.50, more preferably from 0.10 to 0.25 and even more preferably from 0.10 to 0.20.

[0044] The wax composition of the present disclosure can comprise at most about 1 wt% trans fatty acid, for example, less than about 1 wt% trans fatty acid, or less than about 0.75 wt% trans fatty acid, wherein said wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the composition and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

[0045] In various embodiments, a portion of the wax composition can be derived from a fully hydrogenated liquid oil. For example, at least about 3 wt%, at least about 6 wt%, or least about 8 wt% of the wax composition can be derived from a fully hydrogenated liquid oil. The fully hydrogenated liquid oil can be a fully hydrogenated vegetable oil, which can comprise at least one fat selected from the group consisting of fully hydrogenated soybean oil, fully hydrogenated sunflower oil, fully hydrogenatedrapeseed oil, fully hydrogenated canola oil, fully hydrogenated corn oil, fully hydrogenated high oleic sunflower oil, fully hydrogenated high oleic canola oil, fully hydrogenated high oleic soybean oil and a mixture of any thereof.

[0046] In other embodiments, a portion of the wax composition can be derived from a partially hydrogenated liquid oil. For example, at least about 3 wt%, at least about 6 wt%, or at least about 8 wt% of the wax composition can be derived from a partially hydrogenated liquid oil. The partially hydrogenated liquid oil can be a partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which can comprise at least one fat selected from the group consisting of partially hydrogenated soybean oil, partially hydrogenated sunflower oil, partially hydrogenated rapeseed oil, partially hydrogenated canola oil, partially hydrogenated corn oil, partially hydrogenated high oleic sunflower oil, partially hydrogenated high oleic canola oil, partially hydrogenated high oleic soybean oil and a mixture of any thereof. The wax composition may also be derived from a combination of partially hydrogenated and fully hydrogenated liquid oils, as described above. For example, at least about 3 wt%, at least about 6 wt%, or at least about 8 wt% of the wax composition can be derived from both partially hydrogenated and fully hydrogenated liquid oils.

[0047] The wax composition of the present disclosure can have a melting point from about 40 °C to about 50 °C. As used herein, the term “melting point” is used synonymously with “drop point” or “dropping point,” which is used to refer to the temperature at which a material, such as wax, softens and becomes fluid, determined via AOCS Standard Procedure Cc 18-80. Preferably, the melting point is from about 40° C to about 48 °C, and more preferably, from about 42 °C to about 48 °C. Without being bound to a particular theory, it is believed that the interesterification of the first fat blend and / or the second fat blend in the wax composition referred to herein allows for a smoother melt curve with a lower melting point for the waxes, which is particularly useful for the manufacture of container candles, where a larger diameter melt pool is desirable. The melt pool allows for an even melting of wax across the entire surface of the container with smaller sizes of wicks, i.e., a more uniform melting pattern, which in turn lends to a uniform melt range.

[0048] The uniform melt range can also be determined by the ratio of SFC-10 to SFC-40, as SFC-40 tends to decrease (less solid material), and SFC-10 tends to increase (more solid material) when a uniform melt range is achieved. The SFC values are measured on unstabilized fat according to AOCS Cd 16b-93. Thus, in some embodiments, the SFC-10:40 is at least about 2:1, at least about 3: 1, at least about 4: 1, at least about 5: 1, at least about 6 : 1 , or at least about 7: 1.

[0049] The wax composition of the present disclosure can have an iodine value of from about 30 to about 50, preferably, from about 33 to about 50, and more preferably, from about 35 to about 45.

[0050] One or more additives can be included in the wax composition of the present claims, especially when the wax composition is used to manufacture candles. These additives can include, for example, a colorant (e.g., a dye or pigment), and / or a perfume, fragrance, essence, aromatic oil, or other scenting agent. In some embodiments, the scenting agent can be an insect repellent or serve another function. Other additives can also be included, such as migration inhibitors, to reduce the tendency of colorants, fragrances, or other components from migrating in the wax, UV inhibitors, free radical scavengers, hindered amine light stabilizers, emulsifiers (e.g., lecithin), antioxidants (e.g., TBHQ, BHT, etc.), chelating agents, and the like. These additives can be added in small amounts and typically constitute no more than 15% (preferably less than 10%) of the total weight of the wax composition. In certain embodiments, the wax compositions have improved fragrance holding capabilities as compared to traditional wax blends, allowing the wax compositions to have higher fragrance loads without fragrance beading during curing. An increased fragrance load can provide for a candle with a larger scent throw and stronger scent presence when burned. Thus, in some embodiments, fragrance can be included in an amount up to about 15% of the total weight of the wax composition, for example, up to about 12% of the total weight of the wax composition.

[0051] The wax compositions of the present disclosure can be provided in any appropriate form known in the art, for example, in bulk, slab, or block form, or in pellets, granules, flakes, beads, and the like.

[0052] A candle may be formed from the wax compositions described herein. The candle may comprise substantially only the wax composition or only a portion of the wax composition combined with other waxes. For example, the wax composition of the present disclosure can be admixed with other waxes, e.g., paraffin waxes, beeswax, other insect waxes, other plant-based waxes, synthetic waxes, and the like. The additional wax may also contain non-waxy components, including free fatty acids, additives, and the like.

[0053] Candles formed from the waxes disclosed herein include a wick in addition to the wax. The wick can be any wick known to those skilled in the art, forexample a braided cotton wick, a wooden wick, a linen wick, a silk wick, a synthetic fiber wick, or the like. Thus, provided herein is a candle comprising a wick at least partially surrounded by the wax composition as herein described.

[0054] Candles can be formed from the wax compositions using different methods. In one method, the wax composition is heated to a molten or liquid state. If additional additives (colorants, fragrances, etc.) are desired, they can be added to the molten wax or mixed with the wax prior to heating. The wax is then solidified around the wick. In some embodiments, this involves pouring the wax into a mold or container which includes a wick disposed therein. In the case of a mold, the wax is allowed to solidify, and the candle can be unmolded. Wicks may also be inserted after pouring the wax into the mold using known techniques (e.g., using a wicking machine). The waxes of the present disclosure may also be formed into candles using compression molding techniques, which applies a physical press to the wax and forms a candle in a mold. Any other technique known in the art of candle making can also be used in conjunction with the presently disclosed wax compositions.

[0055] Candles manufactured with wax compositions of the present disclosure have been surprisingly found to consistently provide a smooth and even top with no side or top frosting and less pull away from the container (fewer “wet spots”). Thus, the wax composition disclosed herein allows for greater consistency of candles produced therefrom, providing for ease of use with minimal formula oversight and blend needs.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the wax compositions of the present disclosure can be combined in a candle making kit with other components, for example, fragrance and colorant additives, wicks, containers, molds, instructions, or a combination of any thereof, to allow a user to make a candle, for example, in a home setting. Typically, in this situation, the wax composition could be supplied in bead, flake, pellet, or other granule form for ease of use.EXAMPLES

[0057] The following non-limiting examples are provided for further illustration.Example 1 : Preparation of wax compositions

[0058] Fat blend 1, Fat blend 2 and Fatty component 1 were prepared to be used to make wax compositions. Fat blend 1 was a chemically interesterified blend of 80% byweight of palm oil and 20% by weight of palm kernel oil. Fat blend 2 was an enzymatic interesterified blend of 60% by weight of soybean oil and 40% by weight of fully hydrogenated soybean oil. The analytical data of Fat blend 1 and Fat blend 2 is provided below in Table 1.

[0059] Table 1 - Analytical results of Fat blend 1 and Fat blend 2In the above table: Cx:y refers to a fatty acid having x carbon atoms and y double bonds; levels determined by GC-FAME (ISO 12966-2: 2014 and ISO 12966-4: 2015); SAFA refers to saturated fatty acids; MUFA refers to mono-unsaturated fatty acid; PUFA refers to poly-unsaturated fatty acid; IV refers to calculated iodine value according to AOCS Cd lc-85; and TRANS refers to trans fatty acids: unsaturated fatty acids having a double bond in a trans arrangement.

[0060] Fatty component l is a mixture of mono- and diglycerides obtained from an esterification of fully hydrogenated soybean oil and glycerin. The analytical data of Fatty component 1 is provided below in Table 2.

[0061] Table 2 - Analytical results of Fatty component 1In the above table: Cx:y refers to a fatty acid having x carbon atoms and y double bonds; levels determined by GC-FAME (ISO 12966-2: 2014 and ISO 12966-4: 2015); SAFA refers to saturated fatty acids; MUFA refers to mono-unsaturated fatty acid; PUFA refers to poly-unsaturated fatty acid; IV refers to calculated iodine value according to AOCS Cd lc-85; and TRANS refers to trans fatty acids: unsaturated fatty acids having a double bond in a trans arrangement.

[0062] Several wax composition were formulated using Fat blend 1, Fat blend 2 and Fatty component 1 according to Table 3 below.

[0063] Table 3 - Formulation of wax compositions (weight percentages)

[0064] The components of each wax composition were melted in a stainless-steel pot with a colorant (at an approximate 0.025% usage rate) on a hot plate. Minimum and gentle mixing was used to incorporate minimal air into the wax. The mixture was heated to approximately 180 °F, at which point all components were melted and the mixture is uniform in color.

[0065] The pot was removed from the hot plate and allowed to cool. Once the mixture reached 160 °F, fragrance oil was added (at an approximate 8% usage rate). The fragrance oil was slowly added, and the mixture was stirred for 1-2 minutes. The wax was allowed to cool further. Once the wax reached 130 °F, the wax was poured into 12 oz. apothecary jars with a CD-20 wick placed in the bottom thereof. The vessels were set on cooling racks to ensure even cooling, with at least three inches of space between each vessel.

[0066] The analytical data of the prepared wax compositions is provided below in Table 4.

[0067] Table 4 - Analytical results of the prepared wax compositionsIn the above table: Cx:y refers to a fatty acid having x carbon atoms and y double bonds; levels determined by GC-FAME (ISO 12966-2: 2014 and ISO 12966-4: 2015); SAFA refers to saturated fatty acids; MUFA refers to mono-unsaturated fatty acid; PUFA refers to poly-unsaturated fatty acid; IV refers to calculated iodine value according to AOCS Cd lc-85; TRANS refers to trans fatty acids: unsaturated fatty acids having a double bond in a trans arrangement; melting point (°C) determined according to AOCS Cc 18-80; and SFC-x refers to solid fat contentdetermined by NMR on unstabilized fat measured at x°C according to AOCS Cd 16b-93.

[0068] The analytical data of the combined fat blends in the prepared wax compositions is provided below in Table 5.

[0069] Table 5 - Analytical data of the combined fat blends in the prepared wax compositionsExample 2: Testing of the candles using the prepared wax compositions

[0070] The candles using the prepared wax compositions were cured at room temperature (approximately 70 °F) in a space with minimal draft for at least 48 hours before evaluating. The test candles were compared to a control candle (commercial candle containing partially hydrogenated soybean oil).

[0071] To test the flame and melt pool, the candles were burned for a predetermined bum time. The size of the flame from the base to the tip of the flame was then measured with a ruler to determine flame height. The size of the burn pool was measured as the diameter of the melted wax.

[0072] As seen in FIGS. 1-3 and explained herein, the candles tested in this Example using the wax compositions 1-3 were more successful than the candles using the comparative wax compositions 1-2. As shown in FIG. 1, compared to the control, the candles using the comparative wax compositions 1-2 (Codes 29 and 33) did not produce good flame heights (i.e., did not burn hot enough and had too high of a melting point for container candle needs), which led to small and inadequate melt pools. Wax composition 3 was a better candle wax as compared to the comparative wax compositions 1-2 but did not function well when fragrance oil or dye were added. These compositions did not produce good burning pools and had poor flame size. It is believed that the fragrance and candle wax may not have been generally compatible, well-dissolved or had unsuitable eutectic points. The crystal forms may have been different as fragrance generally has a low melting point due to its use of liquid oils. As shown in FIG. 2, wax compositions 1 and 2 (codes 72 and 73) each produced a candle with a smooth top surface and with minimum surface and side frosting. The burning of these candles was also very similar to that of the control, commercial PHO-containing candle (see FIG. 3).

[0073] In view of the above, it will be seen that several advantageous results are obtained.

[0074] Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0075] When introducing elements of the embodiment(s), the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0076] As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A wax composition comprising: a first fat blend having from about 5 wt% to about 30 wt% total lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0) and from about 30 wt% to about 65 wt% palmitic acid (C16:0); and a second fat blend having from about 25 wt% to about 60 wt% stearic acid (Cl 8:0) and from about 10 wt% to about 55 wt% oleic acid (Cl 8: 1); and wherein said wt% is relative to the acid bound as acyl groups in glycerides in each fat blend and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

2. The wax composition of claim 1, wherein the first fat blend is interesterified and / or the second fat blend is interesterified.

3. The wax composition of any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising from about 45 wt% to about 89 wt% of the first fat blend and from about 6 wt% to about 45 wt% of the second fat blend, wherein the wt% is relative to the total weight of the wax composition.

4. The wax composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising from about 1 wt% to about 10 wt% of a fatty component selected from the group consisting of free fatty acid, monoglyceride, diglyceride, propylene glycol ester, polyglycerol ester, sorbitan ester and a mixture thereof.

5. The wax composition of claim 4, wherein the fatty component has at least about 70 wt% saturated fatty acid, wherein said wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the fatty component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

6. The wax composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the concentration of saturated fatty acids is at least about 45 wt%, wherein the wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the composition and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

7. The wax composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at most about 1 wt% trans fatty acid, wherein said wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the composition and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

8. The wax composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the melting point of the composition is from about 40 °C to about 50 °C, preferably from about 40°C to about 48°C and more preferably from about 42°C to about 48°C.

9. The wax composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first fat blend comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, palm stearin, palm olein, cottonseed oil, fully hydrogenated palm oil, fully hydrogenated palm stearin, fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil, a fraction thereof and a mixture thereof and at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm kernel oil, coconut oil, a fraction thereof and a mixture thereof.

10. The wax composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second fat blend comprises a fully hydrogenated oil.

11. The wax composition of claim 10, wherein the fully hydrogenated oil comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of fully hydrogenated soybean oil, fully hydrogenated sunflower oil, fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil, fully hydrogenated canola oil, fully hydrogenated corn oil, fully hydrogenated high oleic sunflower oil, fully hydrogenated high oleic canola oil, fully hydrogenated high oleic soybean oil and a mixture thereof.

12. The wax composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the iodine value of the composition is from about 30 to about 50.

13. A wax composition comprising: a) at least about 75 wt% of a first component, relative to the total weight of the wax composition, comprising triglycerides comprising: i. at least about 4 wt% lauric acid (C12:0),ii. at least about 1 wt% myristic acid (C14:0), iii. from about 10 wt% to about 25 wt% oleic acid (Cl 8: 1), and iv. from about 5 wt% to about 15 wt% linoleic acid (Cl 8:2), wherein the wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the first component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids; and b) less than about 10 wt% of a second component relative to the total weight of the wax composition, comprising monoglycerides, diglycerides, or a mixture of monoglycerides and diglycerides, the monoglycerides, the diglycerides, or the mixture of monoglycerides and diglycerides comprising: i. from about 75 wt% to about 95 wt% stearic acid (Cl 8:0) ii. less than about 5 wt% oleic acid (C18: 1), and iii. less than about 3 wt% linoleic acid (C18:2), wherein said wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the second component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

14. The wax composition of claim 13, wherein the first component further comprises from about 35 wt% to about 50 wt% palmitic acid (C16:0), wherein said wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the first component and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

15. The wax composition of claim 13 or 14, comprising at least about 45 wt% saturated fatty acids, wherein said wt% is relative to the acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the composition and based on the total weight of C8 to C24 fatty acids.

16. The wax composition of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the melting point of the composition is from about 40 °C to about 50 °C, preferably from about 40°C to about 48°C and more preferably from about 42°C to about 48°C.

17. The wax composition of any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein at least 3 wt% of the wax composition relative to the total weight of the wax composition is derived from a fully hydrogenated liquid oil.

18. The wax composition of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the iodine value of the composition is from about 30 to about 50.

19. A candle comprising a wick at least partially surrounded by a candle wax composition, the candle wax composition comprising the wax composition of any one of claims 1 to 18.

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