Why Candles Don’t Burn the Wick?

The Role of the Wick as a Fuel Delivery System Beyond Just a String: A candle wick is more than just a piece of burning cord; its primary function is to act as a delivery system for fuel. Melting the Fuel: When the wick is lit, the heat melts the solid wax located at the base of the wick. Capillary Action: The wick is composed of tightly woven cotton fibers that function like tiny tubes. These fibers use capillary action to pull the liquid wax upward against gravity. Analogy: This process is identical to how a paper towel absorbs and draws water upward when suspended over a bucket. Vaporization: As the liquid wax reaches the top of the wick near the flame, the intense heat transforms it from a liquid into wax vapor. What Actually Burns: It is the wax vapor—not the solid or liquid wax—that feeds the fire. Steady Combustion: The flame remains steady as long as the wick supplies vapor at approximately the same rate that the flame consumes it. Slow Charring: While the wax is the primary fuel, the wick itself chars very slowly. The "Curl" Mechanism: High-quality wicks are designed to curl over as they burn. This movement directs the tip of the wick into the hottest part of the flame. Ash Maintenance: Once the tip reaches the hottest zone, the excess wick material turns to ash and breaks off naturally. Smoke Prevention: This self-trimming process prevents the wick from growing too long, which ensures the candle doesn't produce excess smoke and allows the flame to stay alive for many hours. The Combustion ProcessSelf-Regulating Design