Home Blog Castor Prices Forum Report Castor Companies About Us Contact Us


Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Untitled Document

Hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) or castor wax is a hard, brittle wax. It is odorless and insoluble in water.

Production Process:

It is produced by addition of hydrogen to castor oil (hydrogenation process) in the presence of a nickel catalyst. This is done by bubbling hydrogen gas into the castor oil, during which the ricinoleic acid becomes fully saturated to give a viscous waxy like substance with a melting point of 61-69oC.

High catalyst concentration is required for the good results. A temperature range of 125-135oC and pressure range of 2-2.5 kg/cm3 is required for the saturation of double bond.

The object of the hydrogenation is not only to raise the melting point but also to improve the keeping qualities, taste and odor. As the reaction itself is exothermic, the chief energy requirements are in the production of hydrogen, warming of the oil, pumping and filtering.

Applications/Uses:

Hydrogenation of castor oil accounts for the largest single use of castor oil for a standard commodity.

     - The HCO is insoluble in water and most organic solvents, but it is soluble in hot solvents. It is water resistant while retaining lubricity, polarity and surface wetting properties. It is this insolubility that makes HCO valuable to the lubricants markets. It is perfect for metal drawing lubricants and multipurpose industrial greases.

    - Hydrogenated Castor Oil is used in polishes, cosmetics, electrical capacitors, carbon paper, lubrication, and coatings and greases where resistance to moisture, oils and petrochemical products is required.

     - As Hydrogenated Castor Oil contains secondary hydroxyl group, it is useful in polyurethane coating formulation.

-    It also finds use in cosmetics, hair dressing, ointments, and in the preparation of hydroxyl-stearic acid and derivatives. Sometimes, HCO is used as a paint additive, pressure mould release agent in the manufacture of formed plastics and rubber goods. 

Properties and Specifications:

CAS Number

61788-85-0

Appearance

Flakes Form

Hydroxyl Value

158

Iodine Value

4

Saponification Value

180

Acid Value

2

Melting Point

86

Specific Gravity 250C

1.02

Color

White to Pale Yellowish

Appearance @ 20°C

Solid (Mobile liquid @ 300C)

Odor

Almost none

Nickel Content

3 Max

Color Gardner

2 Max

Flash Point 0C

242 C DIN ISO 2592

Solubility in Water @ 200C

100G/L

pH @ 100G/L H2O

6-7