Diffusion:
Liquid wax diffuses into the wick saturating the cotton fibers.
Capillary Action:
The fuel moves up the wick as it is consumed through the process of capillary action.
Vaporization of Fuel:
The flame’s heat vaporizes the liquid fuel to begin the combustion process.
Incomplete Combustion:
All candle flames have varying degrees of complete and incomplete combustion.
Fuel Reduction:
Mushrooming, carbon capping, or carbon deposits are the result of unburned fuel and soot accumulating on the end of the wick.
Ideal Complete Combustion:
All combustion takes place on the outside edge of the flame where oxygen and heat are at their maximum.