Castor Oil (Triglyceride of Ricinoleic Acid)
Variable (primarily C57H104O9)
8001-79-4
232-292-2
| # | Parameter | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Appearance | Pale yellow to colorless viscous liquid |
| 2 | Odor | Mild characteristic odor |
| 3 | Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, partially soluble in hydrocarbons |
| 4 | Boiling Point | >300°C |
| 5 | Purity | ≥ 99% (refined grades) |
Castor oil is an adaptable raw material used throughout industries for its high levels of ricinoleic acid and specific chemical structure. It is also used in many components as a lubricant, coating, adhesive, and plasticizer in manufacturing. The oil is naturally polar and viscous and is well-suited to formulations in which temperature stability is important for performance.
Industrial castor oil has also been widely used as feedstock in the chemical industry to produce sebacic acid, polyamides, and specialized esters. Moreover, it is used in the formulation of greases and hydraulic fluids that require biodegradability. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the consistency of the composition and reliable supply for continuous production processes by all the large castor oil companies.
Castor oil functions as its core based on composition, which contains mainly ricinoleic acid (approximately 85–90% of the total fatty acids). This hydroxylated fatty acid provides greater lubricity and chemical reactivity than other vegetable oils.
Refined castor oil is light and pale yellow, with a mild odor, and high in viscosity. It is still soluble in alcohols and partially soluble in hydrocarbons, which allows its application in industrial systems. The boiling point and ability to be stable in an oxidative medium allow it to be prepared under demanding operating conditions.
Beyond the base product, various derivatives are utilised in industrial manufacturing. Hydrogenated castor oil is widely used as a type of coating, as a cosmetic intermediary material, and as a structuring agent because its polymer is wax-phase.
Another common derivative is PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil that acts as an emulsifier as well as a solubilizer in the chemical product. Dehydrated castor oil is also used in alkyd resins and paints to enhance drying strength. This allows manufacturers to modify performance qualities based on the application, making castor oil a versatile raw material in various industries.
The handling of castor oil has a lot to do with product quality and the safe functioning of its products. The material should be kept in tightly closed containers that are free from moisture and direct sunlight. Generally recommended storage temperatures are 15°C to 30°C. As part of handling the product, wear protective gloves and eye protection.
For those in Brazil, maintaining a steady supply of castor oil is vital for companies operating in the region. Foscote provides bulk castor oil tailored to industrial use, sourced from approved producers to ensure consistent quality. Buyers may benefit from flexible supply options, documentation support, and access to technical data such as MSDS and product specifications.
Due to its ricinoleic acid content, castor oil is heavily used as raw material in lubricants, coatings, polymers, and other key ingredients.
Refined castor oil undergoes further purification to remove impurities, allowing for more advanced applications where consistency and stability are required.
Hydrogenated castor oil is used in coatings, plastics, and as a structuring agent, leveraging its solid, wax-like qualities.
Store in tightly closed containers, shielded from direct sunlight, at temperatures between 15°C and 30°C to maintain consistency and prevent contamination.
Yes, castor oil is widely available and commonly supplied for continuous industrial production processes across multiple industries.
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