WO2017109060A1

WO2017109060A1 - Translucent gel compositions

Info

Publication number: WO2017109060A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/082356
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guy Lode Magda Maria Verbist; Marloes Verbruggen; Christina CHRISTOVA-ZDRAVKOVA; Cornelis Pieter Hamelink
Original assignee: Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V.; Shell Oil Company
Priority date: 2015-12-23
Filing date: 2016-12-22
Publication date: 2017-06-29

Abstract

The present invention relates to a translucent gel composition comprising a Fischer-Tropsch derived product and a polymer.

Description

TRANSLUCENT GEL COMPOSITIONS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a translucent gel composition and a process to prepare said translucent gel composition. The present invention also relates to a translucent gel candle and a process to prepare said translucent gel candle.

Background of the Invention

It is known in the art to prepare transparent gel candles from mineral oil. WO97/08282 discloses a process to prepare transparent gel candles from mineral oil and block copolymers. However, mineral oil has a high level of aromatics, naphthenics and impurities leading to sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides emissions upon burning the transparent gel candles comprising the mineral oil.

It is an object of the invention to provide clean burning candles .

It is a further object of the present invention to provide translucent gel candles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide translucent gel compositions.

Summary of the invention

From a first aspect, above and other objects may be achieved according to the present invention by providing a translucent gel composition comprising a Fischer- Tropsch derived fluid and a copolymer.

It has been found according to the present invention that a gel composition comprising Fischer-Tropsch derived fluid is a clean stable translucent gel composition having very low levels of aromatics, sulphur, naphthenics and impurities. From a second aspect, the invention embraces a process to prepare a translucent gel composition, the process comprising mixing a Fischer-Tropsch derived fluid and a copolymer.

It has been found that the process does not need advanced purification processes to obtain a translucent gel composition.

From a third aspect, the invention resides in a translucent gel candle comprising a translucent gel composition which gel composition comprises a Fischer-

Tropsch derived base oil comprising paraffins having from 10 to 35 carbon atoms and a copolymer.

It has been found that a gel candle comprising a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil comprising paraffins having from 10 to 35 carbon atoms is a clean stable translucent gel candle having very low levels of

aromatics, sulphur, naphthenics and impurities. Another advantage is that burning of said gel candle will not lead to yellowing of the gel and no black residues are formed.

From a third aspect, the invention embraces a process to prepare a translucent gel candle, the process comprising mixing a Fischer-Tropsch derived fluid and a copolymer .

An advantage of the process according to the present invention is that process does not need advanced purification processes to obtain a translucent gel candle .

Detailed description of the invention

According to the present invention, a translucent gel composition comprises a Fischer-Tropsch derived product and a copolymer. By the term "translucent gel composition" is meant a composition allowing the passage of light but not the precise formation/picturing of the image (project or reflected by the light) . Furthermore, it is known by the skilled person in the art that the condition translucent is between the condition opaque and the condition transparent .

The Fischer-Tropsch derived product according to the present invention is derived from a Fischer-Tropsch process. Fischer-Tropsch derived product is known in the art . By the term "Fischer-Tropsch derived" is meant that a product, is, or is derived from, a synthesis product of a Fischer-Tropsch process. In a Fischer-Tropsch process synthesis gas is converted to a synthesis product.

Synthesis gas or syngas is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide that is obtained by conversion of a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock. Suitable feedstock include natural gas, crude oil, heavy oil fractions, coal, biomass and lignite. A Fischer-Tropsch derived product may also be referred to as a GTL (Gas-to-Liquids ) product .

Preferably, the Fischer-Tropsch product is a Fischer- Tropsch derived fraction comprising 10 to 13 carbon atoms, a Fischer-Tropsch fraction comprising 14 to 17 carbon atoms or a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil comprising paraffins having from 10 to 35 carbon atoms.

Fischer-Tropsch derived fractions comprising 10 to 13 carbon atoms and 14 to 17 carbon atoms are known and for example described in WO2004074407. Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil comprising paraffins having from 10 to

35 carbon atoms is known and for example described in WO02/070631 and WO02/070629. Suitably, the polymer comprises at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a triblock, radial block and/or multiblock copolymer, and mixtures thereof, and optionally a diblock copolymer.

It is required, however, that at least one triblock block, radial block or multiblock copolymer be present in the translucent gel compositon and in the translucent gel candle .

Each of the triblock, radial block and/or multiblock copolymers in the invention contains at least two thermodynamically incompatible segments. By the

expression thermodynamically incompatible with respect to the polymers, it is meant that the polymer contains at least two incompatible segments, for example at least one hard and one soft segment . In general, in a triblock polymer, the ratio of segments is one hard, one soft, one hard or an A-B-A copolymer. The multiblock and radial block copolymers can contain any combination of hard and soft segments, provided that there are both hard and soft characteristics . In the optional diblock copolymer, the blocks are sequential with respect to hard and soft segments .

Commercially available thermoplastic rubber type polymers which are especially useful in forming the compositions of the present invention are sold under the trademark

Kraton® by Kraton Company. The Kraton® rubber polymers are described as elastomers which have an unusual combination of high strength and low viscosity and a unique molecular structure of linear diblock,

triblock and radial copolymers . Each molecule of the

Kraton® rubber is said to consist of block segments of styrene monomer units and rubber monomer and/or comonomer units. Each block segment may consist of 100 or more monomer or comonomer units. The most common structure is the linear ABA block type; styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) , which is the Kraton® D rubber series . A second generation polymer of this general type is the Kraton® G series. This

copolymer comprises a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene type (S-EB S) structure. The Kraton® G series is

preferred in the practice of the invention, as the copolymers of this series are hydrogenated and thus more thermally stable; that is, decomposition is less likely to occur during blending of the G series polymers with the oil (the D series polymers having unsaturation within the rubber block) . The Kraton® G rubbers are indicated as being compatible with paraffinic and naphthenic oils and the triblock copolymers are reported as taking up more than 20 times their weight in oil to make a product which can vary in consistency from a "Jello®" to a strong elastic rubbery material depending on the grade and concentration of the rubber. The optionally blended diblock polymers include the AB type such as styrene- ethylenepropylene ( S-EP ) and styrene-ethylenebutylene (S-EB), styrene-butadiene (SB) and styrene-isoprene (SI) .

The ABA structure of the Kraton® rubber molecule has polystyrene endblocks and elastomeric midblocks. This series of polymers is indicated as being a compounding ingredient or additive in adhesives, sealants and coatings, asphalt modification for roads and roofing, polymer modification, thermoset modification, and oil modification including use as viscosity index improvers, greases and gels. Certain grades of the Kraton® D series are also indicated as being useful as viscosity modifiers for formulating multi-grade motor oils . International Patent Application No. W088/00603, published Jan. 28, 1988, by Francis et al . describes block copolymers which can be used as one or more components in the present invention. These block copolymers are described as gels or gelloid liquid extended polymer compositions which can comprise an intimate mixture of a block copolymer containing

relatively hard blocks and relatively elastomeric blocks. The additional polymer or copolymer material has at least partial compatibility with, and a higher glass transition softening or melting temperature than, the hard blocks of the block copolymer. The copolymer additionally has at least 500 parts by weight of extender liquid per 100 parts of the block copolymer, the liquid being present to extend and soften the elastomeric blocks of the block copolymer. The extender liquid can be a hydrocarbon oil and/ora synthetic oil. These gels or gelloid compositions are an example of the type of gel which can be used in the translucent gel compositions and translucent gel candle of the present invention. The entire disclosure of this published application is incorporated herewith.

International Patent Application No. W088/00603 also refers to European Patent Application No. 224389 of Garmarra et al, published Jun . 3, 1987. This European patent application discloses styrene-diene block

copolymer compositions and in particular discloses a mixture of triblock copolymers and a hydrocarbon oil, wherein the mixture of triblock copolymers comprises a triblock polymer having (a) styrene to ethylene-butylene ratio of 14 to 30 styrene blocks to 70 to 86 ethylene- butylene blocks, and (b) ethylene-butylene ratio

of 31 to 35 styrene blocks to 65 to 69 ethylene-butylene blocks, and wherein the ratio of copolymer A to copolymer B is from about 15 to 85 to about 85 to 15. These compositions are said to be particularly useful as sealing materials. Block copolymers of the type described in this published European application may also be used to make the candles of the invention. The disclosure of

European Patent Application No. 224389 is also

incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. Patent Number 5,221,534 discloses gels having a mineral oil and blends of di- and triblock copolymers. These gels are useful for health and beauty aid

compositions. These health and beauty aid compositions contain at least two diblock or triblock copolymers and an effective amount of one or more cosmetic ingredient.

Preferred compositions in U.S. Patent Number

5,221,534 contain both diblock and triblock copolymers, with the polymer blend being from about 5 to 95 wt % of diblock polymer to 95 to 5 wt % of triblock polymer. The gel disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,122,534, without the cosmetic additive, may also be used in the translucent gel composition and in the translucent gel candle of the invention. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent No.

5,221,534 is also incorporated herein by reference.

U.S. Patent Number 4,369,284 describes a transparent gel prepared from triblock copolymers and oils, including food and technical grade white petroleum mineral oils.

The triblock copolymers therein give specific styrene end blocks to ethylene and butylene center blocks. The end block to ethylene and butylene center block ratio is given as being between 31:69 and 40:60. It is preferred under the present invention, however, that the end block to ethylene and butylene center block ratio be less than 31:69. The polymer content in the Examples of U.S.

Patent Number 4,369,284 is from 5.9 to 25 percent. The disclosure of U.S. Patent Number 4,369,284 is

incorporated herein in its entirety.

U.S. Patent Number 5,132,355 discloses polyethylene block co-polymers of the A-B-A type, where in A is a "hard" block and B is a "soft" block. The gel made from this diblock copolymer is disclosed as being useful for complex molded candles when used with paraffin wax.

Preferably, the polymer or polymer blend is formed in admixture with a carrier vehicle such as a natural or synthetic hydrocarbon oil or mixtures thereof. The hydrocarbon oil may be a paraffinic oil, a naphthenic oil, natural mineral oil or the like. White oil is particularly preferred. When formed into gels, the copolymers or blends thereof will comprise from about 2 to about 30 weight percent of the total weight of the composition .

Preferably the total weight of polymer contained in the Fischer-Tropsch derived product will range from about 3 to about 20 weight percent, and may range from about 5 to about 15 weight percent, or more preferably from about

7 to about 12 weight percent. Most preferably the total weight of the copolymer in the invention is about 8.6 weight percent .

The formulation for the translucent gel composition or for the translucent gel candle of the invention will comprise about 70 to about 98 weight percent of the Fischer-Tropsch derived product, about 2 to about 30 weight percent of the triblock, radial block, multiblock copolymers, and optionally from 0 to about 10 weight percent diblock copolymer.

Preferably, the translucent gel composition according to the present invention comprises from 70 to 98 wt . % of a Fischer-Tropsch derived product, 2 to 30 wt . % of a copolymer selected from the group consisting of a triblock, radial block and multiblock compolymer and from 0 to 10 wt . % of a diblock compolymer based on the total amount of the translucent gel composition.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a process to prepare a translucent gel composition, the process comprises at least the following steps:

(a) mixing of a Fischer-tropsch derived product and a copolymer to obtain a mixture;

(b) heating the mixture of step (a) to obtain a mixture in which mixture all components are well dispersed; (c) cooling the dispersed mixture of step (b) to obtain a translucent gel formulation.

In step (a) a Fischer-Tropsch derived product in a range of from 80 to 95 wt.%, preferably from 90 to 95 wt . % is mixed with a copolymer in a range of from 5 to 20 wt.%, preferably of from 5 to 10 wt.%. Also, the Fischer- Tropsch derived product and the copolymer are mixed at room or ambient temperature. Suitably, the Fischer- Tropsch derived product is already heated to a

temperature in the range of from 80 to 90°C before being mixed with the copolymer. Preferably, the Fischer- Tropsch derived product is mixed with Kraton^®G-l 650. In step (b) the mixture comprising Kraton^®G-1650 as

copolymer as obtained in step (a) is heated to 100°C. Suitably, the mixture is heated to 100°C for 10 to 20 minutes. Typically, the temperature should be high enough to obtain a dispersed mixture which is a liquid flowable mixture. For other polymer liquid compounds it may be necessary to heat to different temperatures but with the generally aim to obtain a well dispersed mixture polymer and liquid which is still flowable such that the mixture can be placed in the relevant container or molt wherein the mixture become a gel upon cooling.

In step (c) the dispersed mixture of step (b) is cooled to obtain a translucent gel formulation. The dispersed mixture is preferably cooled to room or ambient temperature .

A preferred composition of the invention will contain from about 4 to about 20 weight percent of the polymer blend and from about 80 to about 96 weight percent of a Fischer-Tropsch derived product. The preferred polymer is a triblock polymer of the

Kraton® G type, in particular Kraton® G-1650.

Kraton® G-1650 is an SEBS triblock copolymer which has a specific gravity of about 0.91, and is said to have a tensile strength of about 500 psi as measured by ASTM methodD-412-tensile jaw tester separation speed 10 in/min. The styrene to rubber content of Kraton® G-1650 is said by the manufacturer to be about 29:71, and the Brookfield viscosity is about 8000 (toluene solution, cps at 77°F, 25%w) . The Shore A hardness is about 75.

A preferred optional diblock copolymer is Karton® G- 1702. Preferably, the composition comprises a Kraton® triblock copolymer as described herein in combination with an oil, particularly natural or synthetic white oils which are known as having a smooth homogeneous

consistency .

In another aspect, the present invention provides a translucent gel candle comprising a translucent gel composition, which composition comprises a Fischer- Tropsch derived base oil comprising paraffins having from

10 to 35 carbon atoms and a polymer.

Preferably, the polymer comprises one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a triblock, radial block and/or multiblock copolymer, and mixtures thereof, and optionally a diblock copolymer. In addition, the candle according to the present

invention comprises from 70 to 98 wt.%, preferably from 93 to 95 wt.% of a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil comprising from 10 to 35 carbon atoms, 2 to 30 wt.%, preferably 5 to 7 wt.% of a copolymer selected from the group consisting of a triblock, radial block and multiblock compolymer and from 0 to 10 wt.% of a diblock compolymer based on the total amount of the candle .

Suitably, the candle according to the present invention comprises a:

) a Fischer-tropsch derived base oil comprising

paraffins having from 10 to 35 carbon atoms;

) at least one block copolymer selected from the group consisting of :

1) a triblock copolymer;

2) a radial block copolymer;

3) a multiblock copolymer; and

) optionally, a diblock copolymer, and

a wick,

said candle further optionally comprising a

stabilizer, anti-oxidizing agent, colorant,

fragrance, and/or functional additive, and the like. In another aspect, the present invention provides a process to a translucent gel candle, the process

comprises at least the following steps:

(a) mixing of a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil

comprising paraffins having from 10 to 35 carbon atoms with a copolymer to obtain a mixture;

(b) heating the mixture of step (a) to obtain a dispersed mixture; (c) transferring the dispersed mixture of step (b) to a jar, which jar contains a wick to the bottom of the jar;

(d) cooling the dispersed mixture of step (c) to obtain a translucent gel candle.

In another embodiment, the wick is preferably

positioned in the dispersed mixture of step (c) in a jar .

The candles of the invention are prepared by blending into the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil one or more triblock,

radial block and/or multiblock copolymers, or mixtures thereof, in the desired amount. A diblock copolymer may also be optionally included. The amount of each

copolymer and the amount of the mixture contained in the

Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil determines the final form of the gel. In general, the higher the copolymer content, the stiffer the gel. The gels under the present invention are firm, transparent gels .

The candle is formed by blending the polymers and oil and heating the mixture to from about 50°C to about 90°C to dissolve the copolymer or copolymer blend in the oil . Mixing may be carried out in any conventional manner, and is preferred, particularly when colorants, fragrances, etc. are added. On cooling, a stiff, clear gel forms. Preferably, a wick is added while the composition is in melted form. Alternatively, a formed gel can be heated, the wick added, and the gel allowed to reform on cooling.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the

Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil is first heated to from about 50°C to about 90°C, at which point the copolymer mix is added to the desired weight percent as set forth herein. After sufficient time for the copolymer to melt in the oil, the composition is poured into a mold or a jar either containing a wick or, alternatively a wick thereafter being added, and the composition is allowed to cool to a stiff gel. Similar variations of the method of the invention and known to the skilled person in light of the present disclosure are within the scope of the present invention.

Particularly preferred in making the candles of the invention is to cool the polymer composition in a mold or jar. A mold is used to impart external features to, for example, a pillar candle, if desired. Conventional jars, clear, colored or otherwise decorative, such as sculpted, etched, cut glass, etc., are also usefully employed for holding candles under the invention. Preferably, clear glass jars are used for a jar candle. Also particularly preferred in making translucent gel compositions is to cool the polymer composition in a mold or a jar.

The candles employ a wick, typically of porous material, which may be either waxed or unwaxed, and of the thickness appropriate for the particular candle design. The wicks used are conventional and are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art . The wick may include a decorative feature, for example, striping, coloring, impregnation or coated with material for special effects, such as to provide a colored flame, sparkles, etc., if so desired. The candles of this invention may also contain one or more conventionally employed additives such as stabilizers, anti-oxidants, antiblocking agents, colorants, fragrances, and the like to an extent not affecting or decreasing the desired properties of the candle. With respect to anti-oxidants, specific reference is made to BHT, which is generally employed at about 0.01 weight percent. Colorants are useful in the invention when desired, as the gel

composition is generally transparent. Thus, the candles of the invention can range from completely translucent to having a deep color, as desired, by control of the amount of colorant, if any, employed. The candles may also be multicolored or have colored layers.

The latter is achieved by forming one colored layer, allowing the layer to cool, and overlaying with a second colored layer, and so on. Other designs can be employed, such as single or multi color swirls. Such swirls can be achieved by adding the color to the gel composition at a time during cooling of the composition but prior to complete gelation, and gently stirring the composition. Similar design variations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the present

disclosure, and are meant to be within the scope of the invention. An additional decorative benefit of the candle under the invention is that ornamental features may be embedded within the candle body. Such features may be either insoluble or soluble in the gel composition of the candle, as desired. Use of such ornamental features allows a possibility not heretofore available in decorative features, as virtually any decorative object can be incorporated within the candle body, provided generally that such decorative feature does not adversely affect the burning capacity of the candle in an undesired way .

Notwithstanding the above, decorative and other functional features that interfere with the burning of the candle may be incorporated in the candle under the invention, if so desired. For example, in suitable candle designs, decorative features located near the periphery of the candle and not in communication with the wick or flame will not adversely affect the operation of the candle and may thus be of any sort desired. Such a decorative feature be placed in the candle, for example, by addition to the gel composition after sufficient cooling of the melt but before complete gelation.

Exemplary insoluble decorative features include stars, glitter, sparkles, ribbons, etc.

Other decorative additives, such as those that cause special effects, e.g. sparkling, flame coloring, etc., or mixtures thereof, may also be added to the gel

composition of the candle in conventional amounts and as desired.

Fragrances, for example, cinnamon, spice, bayberry, pine, essence oils, etc., are also useful in the candles of the invention, in a manner similar to the way conventional wax candles employ pleasing aromatic additives. Conventional oil based, solid and other fragrances are available and known to the person skilled in the art. These fragrances can be employed by inclusion into the oil of the composition under the invention. Alternatively, if the fragrance is

particularly volatile, it is preferably added to the cooling composition prior to complete gelation.

Fragrances are generally employed at up to about 20% by weight of the total gel composition. However, it is recognized by those skilled in the art that fragrant additives can be used up to their characteristic solubility level in the composition of the candle of the invention. Accordingly, the invention as presently claimed is not limited with respect to the weight percent of a particular fragrant additive .

The candles under the invention may also contain a functional additive, such as an insect repellant, for use in the same capacity as conventional candles containing such an additive. These additives are used in the conventional amounts under the invention, as known to the person skilled in the art. U.S. Patent No. 5,387,418, for example, discloses one such insect repellant compound that may be employed in the candle of the invention. Citronella is another example of an insect repellant that may be used under the invention.

In preparation of the candles under the invention, where possible, additives are most preferably added to the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil in the desired amount. Additives may also be added during mixing of the base candle composition or while said composition is cooling to a gel.

The person skilled in the art will readily

understand that the translucent gel candle comprises the similar polymers as the translucent gel composition and also the similar amount of polymer is used in the translucent gel candle as is used in the translucent gel composition.

The present invention is described below with reference to the following Examples, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way .

Examples

Preparation of Fischer-Tropsch derived products

The Fischer-Tropsch derived fractions comprising 10 to 13 carbon atoms (LDF) and 14 to 17 carbon atoms (HDF) and a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil comprising paraffins having from 10 to 35 carbon atoms (B03)were obtained using a Fischer-Tropsch process. The processes to prepare Fischer-Tropsch derived fractions comprising 10 to 13 carbon atoms and 14 to 17 carbon atoms are known and for example described in WO2004074407. The process to prepare Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil comprising paraffins having from 10 to 35 carbon atoms (B03) is known and for example described in WO02/070631 and WO02/070629.

The properties of these fractions and the commercially available Drakeol^®-7 (white mineral oil) obtainable from

Penreco® are listed in Table 1.

Table 1

properties of Drakeol®-7 are obtained from WO97/08282

Example 1

Preparation of translucent gel compositions

Kraton^®1650 were dispersed in Fischer-Tropsch derived products in various combinations and at various

percentages. The gels were prepared by dispersing the block copolymer Kraton^®1650 indicated in the Fischer- Tropsch derived products at about 100°C in which gel the components are well dispersed and the liquid mix is still flowable. The solutions then poured into clear glass jars and allowed to cool during which they gel. Results are given in Table 2. Table 2

Example 2

Thermographic analysis of blends 1 to 6

10 mg of sample was placed in a ceramic pan and put in the TGA apparatus (PerkinElmer TGA 4000) where it was heated in nitrogen atmosphere from 30 °C to 900 °C with 10 °C/min while the mass loss was monitored as shown in the table 3 and Figure 1.

Temperature °C

Weight Blend Blend Blend Blend Blend Blend

1 2 3 4 5 6

100% 33, 8 33, 9 33, 9 34, 0 34, 0 34, 1

90% 95, 6 157, 7 240,5 240, 4 237, 7 226, 3

80% 110,3 175, 4 258, 8 259, 6 257, 4 248, 9

70% 119,7 187, 1 271, 3 271, 7 269, 5 263, 5

60% 127, 0 196, 4 280, 8 280, 9 278, 4 275, 2

50% 133, 0 204, 0 288, 3 288, 4 285, 7 285, 5

40% 138,1 210, 7 294, 9 295, 9 292, 2 295, 5

30% 143, 0 217, 2 300, 6 302, 9 297, 8 306, 1

20% 147,7 223, 6 305, 8 309, 3 304, 1 320, 2

10% 152, 6 232, 6 331, 5 315, 4 310,7 343, 0

5% 160, 8 430, 6 430, 2 407, 0 359, 8 387, 5

1% 426,2 452, 8 456, 5 445, 2 446, 7 435, 6

Preparation of translucent gel candles

Example 3

A blend is prepared having 90 wt . % FT derived B03 and 10 wt . % Kraton 1650 triblock copolymer and processed as in Example 1. As cooling proceeded, the composition is poured into a glass jar and a standard candle wick is added to the gel and held in place until the gelation is complete. A rigid gel candle was formed. 12.5 g of the candle burned for 2,5 hours and only the gel close to the wick burned.

Example 4

The procedure of example 3 was repeated using 93 wt . % FT derived B03 instead of 90 wt . % FT derived B03, and 7 wt . % of Kraton 1650 instead of 10 wt . % Kraton 1650 triblock copolymer. A gel candle was formed which was flowable at room temperature. 12,5 g of candle burned for 3.5 hours and some gel was found on the walls of the jar. Example 5

The procedure of example 3 was repeated using 95 wt . % FT derived B03 instead of 90 wt . % FT derived B03, and 5 wt . % of Kraton 1650 instead of 10 wt . % Kraton 1650 triblock copolymer. A rigid gel candle was formed. 12,5 g of candle burned for 4 hours. The gel on the wall fully burned and no yellowing of the gel and no back residues were formed (see Figure 2) .

Comparative example

The candle of Pandurohobby burned for 5 hours. Yellowing of the gel was observed and black residues were formed ( see Figure 3 ) .

Discussion

Table 2 and Figure 1 show that the weight loss at 300°C is about 50 wt . % for both B03 and the commercial sample.

It will be appreciated that in a relatively narrow range around this temperature the majority of the weight (more than 80 wt.%) is lost.

Examples 3 shows that with a high Kraton concentration the gel close to the wick will only burn whereas Example

4 shows that with a low Kraton concentration a flowable gel candle is formed which gel candle burns completely but fast . Example 5 shows that with a Kraton

concentration between 5 and 7 wt . % a rigid gel candle is formed which is also at the same time translucent and whose level reduces evenly horizontally upon burning the candle without forming a crater as seen for more rigid formulations. More importantly the candles formed with the Fischer-Tropsch wax according to the present

invention do not show yellowing of the gel and no black residues are formed (see Figure 2) .

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Translucent gel composition comprising a Fischer-Tropsch derived product and a polymer.

2. Translucent gel composition according to claim 1, wherein the Fischer-Tropsch derived product is a Fischer-Tropsch derived fraction comprising 10 to 13 carbon atoms, a

Fischer-Tropsch fraction comprising 14 to 17 carbon atoms or a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil comprising paraffins having from 10 to 35 carbon atoms.

3. Translucent gel composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer comprises at least one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a triblock, radial block and/or multiblock copolymer, and mixtures thereof, and optionally a diblock copolymer.

4. Translucent gel composition according to claim 3, wherein the translucent gel composition comprises from 70 to 98 wt . % of a Fischer-Tropsch derived product, 2 to 30 wt . % of a copolymer selected from the group consisting of a triblock, radial block and multiblock compolymer and from 0 to 10 wt . % of a diblock compolymer based on the total amount of the translucent gel composition.

5. Process to prepare translucent gel composition as defined according to one of more of the preceding claims, the process comprises at least the following steps:

(b) heating the mixture of step (a) to obtain a mixture in which mixture all components are well dispersed;

(c) cooling the dispersed mixture of step (b) to obtain a translucent gel formulation.

6. A translucent gel candle comprising a translucent gel

composition, which gel comprises a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil comprising paraffins having from 10 to 35 carbon atoms and a polymer. A translucent gel candle according to claim 6, wherein the polymer comprises one copolymer selected from the group consisting of a triblock, radial block and/or multiblock and mixtures thereof, and optionally a diblock copolymer. A translucent gel candle according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the candle comprises from 70 to 98 wt.%,

preferably 93 to 95 wt.% of a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil comprising from 10 to 35 carbon atoms, 2 to 30 wt.%, preferably 5 to 7 wt.% of a copolymer selected from the group consisting of a triblock, radial block and

multiblock copolymer and from 0 to 10 wt.% of a diblock copolymer based on the total amount of the candle.

A process to prepare the translucent gel candle as defined according to claims 6 to 8, the process comprises at least the following steps:

(a) mixing of a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil

(b) heating the mixture of step (a) to obtain a dispersed mixture;

(c) transferring the dispersed mixture of step (b) to a jar, which jar contains a wick to the bottom of the jar;