Blown Castor Oil (Oxidized Castor Oil)
Manufactured by Nova Industries
Nova Industries manufactures a comprehensive range of Blown Castor Oils, chemically modified to serve as high-performance plasticizers and viscosity modifiers.
By subjecting our pharmaceutical-grade castor oil to a controlled oxidative polymerization process, we alter its molecular structure to create a product that is denser, more viscous, and highly polar, yet retains the excellent lubricity inherent to the castor molecule.
1. Manufacturing Process: Oxidative Polymerization
The production of Blown Castor Oil is a delicate balance of temperature and aeration.
- The Process: Air or Oxygen is bubbled through the liquid castor oil at controlled temperatures ranging from 80°C – 130°C.1
- The Mechanism: The introduction of oxygen triggers oxidative polymerization at the double-bond sites of the ricinoleic acid. C-C and C-O-C cross-links form between the triglyceride chains.
- The Result: As polymerization progresses, the oil undergoes a significant physical transformation:
- Viscosity: Increases dramatically (from liquid to heavy syrup-like consistency).
- Specific Gravity: Increases, approaching or exceeding that of water (approx. 0.96 – 1.02).
- Solubility: The oil becomes soluble in esters, ketones, and alcohol but less soluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons.
2. Key Advantages & Performance
Blown Castor Oil is chemically distinct from raw oil due to its “Non-Drying” nature and high polarity.2
- Phthalate-Free Plasticizer: It is a premier bio-based alternative to petrochemical phthalates. It provides permanent flexibility to lacquers and coatings without the risk of leaching or toxicity.
- Pigment Wetting: The high polarity (due to increased hydroxyl and carboxyl groups) makes it an exceptional wetting agent. It coats pigment particles efficiently, reducing grinding time in ink and paint manufacturing.3
- Surface Adhesion: It exhibits superior adhesion to substrates compared to raw oil, making it ideal for adhesives and caulks.4
3. Industrial Applications
Coatings, Inks & Lacquers
- Plasticizer: primarily used in Nitrocellulose (NC) lacquers and cellulosic coatings to prevent brittleness and cracking.5 unlike raw oil, blown oil does not “sweat out” of the film over time.
- Inks: Acts as a grinding medium and viscosity builder in ball-point pen inks and offset printing pastes.6
Adhesives & Sealants
- Polyurethanes: Used as a polyol extender in polyurethane systems to improve weatherability, film build, and gloss retention.7
- Caulks: Provides non-slump properties and long-term flexibility to construction sealants.8
Lubricants & Hydraulic Fluids
- Viscosity Improver: Added to hydraulic fluids and heavy-duty lubricants to maintain film thickness under load.
- Leather Treatment: Used in “Fat Liquoring” to lubricate leather fibers, ensuring softness and water resistance.
4. Technical Specifications (Grade Table)
Nova Industries offers Blown Castor Oil in a spectrum of viscosities, standardized by the Gardner-Holdt scale (Z-Series) or Stokes.9
| Parameter | Grade: Pale Blown (Low Viscosity) | Grade: Medium Blown | Grade: Heavy Blown (High Viscosity) |
| Viscosity Code | Z-1 | Z-6 | Z-8 |
| Viscosity (Stokes) | 25 – 35 | 100 – 150 | 450 – 600 |
| Acid Value | 6.0 Max | 12.0 Max | 16.0 Max |
| Iodine Value | 69 – 73 | 56 – 65 | 58 – 66 |
| Hydroxyl Value | 151 – 158 | 130 – 140 | 125 – 135 |
| Saponification Value | 200 – 220 | 210 – 230 | 220 – 245 |
| Color (Gardner) | 6 Max | 10 Max | Darker |
| Specific Gravity | 0.96 – 0.98 | 0.98 – 1.00 | 1.01 – 1.03 |
Custom viscosity grades (e.g., 5-10 Poise to 90-110 Poise) can be manufactured upon request.
Packaging & Supply
- Packaging: 200 Kg Steel Drums / 225 Kg HDPE Drums / IBC Totes.
- Storage: Keep containers tightly closed. Although oxidized, the product is stable if stored away from extreme heat.
Contact Us for Samples & Pricing:
Nova Industries
Website: https://novaind.in/