The Technical Glossary of Castor Oil & Derivatives
Compiled by Nova Industries
This glossary serves as a definitive resource for chemical engineers, formulators, and procurement managers. It details the nomenclature, chemical structures, and industrial applications of the product portfolio manufactured by Nova Industries.
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA)
Definition: A saturated fatty acid derived from the hydrolysis of Hydrogenated Castor Oil. It is solid at room temperature. Chemical Significance: The presence of the hydroxyl group at the 12th carbon position allows for extensive hydrogen bonding. Applications: The primary hardening agent for Lithium-based greases (automotive and industrial). It is also used in hot-melt adhesives and cosmetics.
Blown Castor Oil (Oxidized Oil)
Definition: A derivative produced by blowing air or oxygen through castor oil at controlled elevated temperatures (80°C – 130°C). This process causes oxidative polymerization, increasing viscosity and specific gravity. Properties: High viscosity, non-drying, and excellent wetting properties due to increased polarity. Applications: Plasticizers for lacquers, pigment dispersion vehicles in inks, and as a polyol modifier in polyurethane systems to improve weatherability and gloss retention. Available from: Nova Industries (Various viscosity grades).
Calcium Undecylenate
Definition: The Calcium salt of Undecylenic Acid, produced via the reaction of Undecylenic Acid with Calcium Hydroxide or Carbonate. Function: A potent fungistatic and fungicidal agent. Applications: The active ingredient in topical antifungal powders, ointments, and foot sprays (treating Tinea pedis). It is preferred in powder formulations due to its stability and non-irritating nature.
Castor Meal (De-Oiled Cake)
Definition: The solid residue remaining after the solvent extraction of castor seeds. Composition: Rich in proteins and carbohydrates, with a typical N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) profile of 4:1:1. Applications: A premier organic fertilizer and soil conditioner. It contains traces of Ricin (toxic), making it unsuitable for animal feed, but excellent for protecting plant roots from soil nematodes and termites.
Castor Oil (Ricinoleic Triglyceride)
Definition: A vegetable oil extracted from the seed of Ricinus communis. Uniquely, it consists of approximately 90% Ricinoleic Acid (12-Hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid).
Key Features: High viscosity, high specific gravity, soluble in alcohol (unlike most vegetable oils), and naturally hydroxylated. Applications: The foundational feedstock for bio-polymers, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, and cosmetics.
Commercial Grade Castor Oil
Definition: The standard industrial grade produced by a mixture of hydraulic pressing and solvent extraction. Technical Profile: Slightly higher Acid Value and moisture content compared to FSG. Applications: General industrial usage, synthesis of derivatives (HCO, DCO), and sulfonated oils.
Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO)
Definition: A semi-drying or drying oil produced by the catalytic dehydration of castor oil under vacuum at ~250°C. This process removes the hydroxyl group and creates a conjugated double bond system. Applications: A superior substitute for Tung Oil or Linseed Oil in alkyd resins, varnishes, and white epoxy coatings. It offers excellent non-yellowing properties and rapid drying.
First Pressed Degummed Castor Oil
Definition: Oil obtained solely from the mechanical pressing of seeds (no solvents), followed by a degumming step to remove phospholipids. Applications: High-speed lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and applications requiring low ash content.
First Special Grade (FSG) Castor Oil
Definition: A highly refined, bleached, and filtered grade of castor oil. Technical Profile: Low Free Fatty Acid (FFA), low moisture, and light color. Applications: A dielectric fluid for capacitors and sonar transducers, a polyol source for polyurethanes, and a lubricant for precision machinery.
Heptaldehyde (Heptanal)
Definition: A C-7 aldehyde produced via the destructive distillation (pyrolysis) of Castor Oil esters. Applications: A critical intermediate for the fragrance industry (Jasmine/Cinnamon notes) and for the synthesis of Heptanoic Acid.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO / Castor Wax)
Definition: A hard, brittle, high-melting-point wax (MP: 85-88°C) produced by saturating the double bonds of castor oil with hydrogen in the presence of a Nickel catalyst. Applications: Rheology modifier (thickener) for paints, sealants, and PVC plastisols. It imparts thixotropic properties (shear-thinning) to formulations.
Methyl 12-Hydroxystearate
Definition: The methyl ester of 12-HSA. Applications: Used in continuous grease manufacturing processes and as a waxy component in cosmetics.
Methyl Ricinoleate
Definition: Produced by the transesterification of castor oil with methanol. Applications: A surfactant intermediate, lubricant additive, and plasticizer.
Ricinoleic Acid
Definition: The primary fatty acid obtained by the hydrolysis of castor oil. Chemical Name: 12-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid. Applications: Used in metalworking fluids, dispersion agents for pigments, and as a bacteriostatic agent in personal care products.
Sebacic Acid
Definition: A linear C-10 dicarboxylic acid produced by the caustic fusion of castor oil at high temperatures. Structure: HOOC-(CH2)8-COOH.
Applications: The monomer for Nylon 6-10 and Nylon 10-10. Also used to manufacture dioctyl sebacate (DOS), a plasticizer that remains flexible at extremely low temperatures (cryogenic applications).
Sulfated Castor Oil (Turkey Red Oil)
Definition: The first synthetic detergent, produced by reacting castor oil with sulfuric acid. It is fully water-dispersible. Applications: Textile dyeing assistant, emulsifier for essential oils, and agricultural surfactant.
Undecylenic Acid
Definition: An unsaturated C-11 fatty acid produced by the pyrolysis of Ricinoleic acid esters at >500°C. Chemical Formula: CH2=CH(CH2)8COOH. Applications:
- Pharmaceuticals: FDA-approved active ingredient for antifungal creams (Athlete’s Foot).
- Polymers: Precursor for Nylon-11 (Polyamide 11).
- Perfumes: Precursor for synthetic musk.
Zinc Undecylenate
Definition: The Zinc salt of Undecylenic Acid. Applications: Used alongside Undecylenic Acid in antifungal powders to treat cutaneous mycoses. It acts as a synergistic astringent and fungicide.
Technical Inquiries
For specific chemical parameters, Certificates of Analysis (COA), or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any of the terms listed above, please contact the manufacturer directly.
Nova Industries Website: https://novaind.in/