Candle wick

The wick ( also outdated Lichtgarn ) is a thread-like braid, which supplies liquid fuel to the combustion zone in candles and lamps. At the wick candle or lamp is lit and extinguished.

The wick consists of a number of interwoven fibers. These fibers form fine channels by capillary liquid fuel (eg oil, methylated spirits, wax), perform against gravity, the flame. Therefore, the capillary action is sometimes referred to as wicking. The wick improved the gasification of the liquid. This increases the local vapor pressure and reduces the flash point of the liquid, so that an ignitable mixture is formed.

In general, a wick is thready. But even surface materials can burn a similar support as a wick. For example, oil can not be ignited with a match, while an oil-soaked cotton cloth easily catches fire.

There are usually wicks made ​​of cotton or a fiberglass mesh, whereby the latter are characterized in that they do not burn yourself. In ancient and medieval times, other materials were used, such as wicks made ​​of natural asbestos. Wicks of tallow candles, which represented the majority of the candles until the early 19th century, must constantly shortened ( " geschneuzt " ) in order to prevent large quantities of soot and drops, because they do not completely burned. For this " light cleaning " there are special wick scissors with which the so-called shooting is truncated. Modern candles contain an asymmetrically braided wick, which tilts to the side when burning. The upper area burns and thereby completely cutting off unnecessary.