Re: Why would a thicker candle burn faster than a thinner candle??

Dear Susie,

That is a good question. Candlemaking is an art form that has been 
around for a very long time. Apparently, the materials used to make the 
candle can attribute to the quality and the duration of time the candle 
may burn. 

It is possible the the candles you are comparing are not made the same 
material. This may account for the larger candle burning faster than the 
thinner candle. If you have the packaging the candles came in you may be 
able to learn what material they were made of which will tell you more 
about the shelf life of your candles.
 
I found some information at this website about the craft of candlemaking : 
http://ca
ndleandsoap.about.com/library/weekly/aa091697.htm

There are several things that contribute to the duration of time that a  
candle may burn: 

Wax
There are many waxes available for candle making; 
Paraffin,microcrystaline, beeswax, or  bayberry wax  Each type of wax has 
a different melting point.  which melts in the range of 135 - 145 degrees. 

Additives
Different additives can be added to the wax while the candle is being 
made. They can attribute to making the candle harder, changing the melting 
point, the strength, and color.
 
Stearine - Also called stearic acid. This has been the standard paraffin 
additive for a very long time. Used to make wax harder, release from mold 
easier, and increase opacity of the wax. 

Vybar - Available in low melting point (Vybar #260) and high melting point 
(Vybar #103). More economical to use than stearine. Improves color and 
scent retention. Difficult to find, and doesn't always release from mold 
easily. Use one to five percent.

Plastics - There are a variety of plastic additives (mostly polyethylenes) 
that will improve gloss, opacity, translucence, strength, and hardness. 
They have very high melting points.


I hope this helps you. Have fun with science!
Elsa =)