Authors : M.O. Edoga , L.I. Onyeji and O.O. Oguntosin
Abstract: Polyethylene products although are widely used all over the world, the environmental problems caused by their disposal are enormous hence, it is necessary to explore alternative means of recycling them into further useful products. In this research, used-water sachet polyethylene, which is non-biodegradable, was recycled to candle, a biodegradable product. Using four different formulations, by employing simplistic unifactor approach, 4 different candle samples were produced. The formulations entailed the addition of 0, 10, 20 and 30 g of stearic acid to the active ingredient. In order to determine their mass, weight and burning efficiency for 15 min, the samples were analyzed in our laboratory so as to using standard methods. It was observed that 6.5, 4.7, 3.3 and 2.1 g of wax were consumed with a respective reduction in candle height of 6.1, 3.8, 2.0 and 1.2 cm within 15. It was also observed that as the amount of stearic acid increased, the candles produced were harder, burns for a longer time, gave a brighter burning flame with a little or no smoke/soot. In conclusion, used-water sachet polyethylene, which constitute environmental problems were converted to candle, a use full product.
M.O. Edoga , L.I. Onyeji and O.O. Oguntosin , 2008. Achieving Vision 20:2020 Through Waste Produce Candle. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 3: 642-646.