1. Chemical Structure & Molecular Properties
| Property / Parameter | Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) | 12-Hydroxystearic Acid (12-HSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Class | Triglyceride Wax (Glyceryl Tri-12-hydroxystearate) | Monocarboxylic Free Fatty Acid |
| CAS Registry Number | 8001-78-3 | 106-14-9 |
| Indicative HS Tariff Code | 1516.20 |
2918.19 |
| Melting Point Range | 85.0°C – 88.0°C (Hard, brittle wax) | 75.0°C – 78.0°C (Crystalline flakes/powder) |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤ 3.00 (Typically ≤ 2.00) | 175.0 – 182.0 |
| Saponification Value | 176.0 – 186.0 | 180.0 – 190.0 |
| Glycerin Content | Contains ~10% bound glycerin backbone | 0% (Glycerin removed during fat splitting) |
| Primary Reactive Group | Ester linkages + secondary hydroxyls (-OH) | Terminal carboxylic acid (-COOH) + secondary -OH |
2. Key Application Differences in Grease, Coatings & Polymers
- In Lubricating Greases: 12-HSA is preferred for industrial greases because it neutralizes directly with lithium hydroxide without releasing glycerin, achieving higher dropping points (>200°C simple, >280°C complex) and lower oil bleeding. HCO is used in cost-optimized grease kettles equipped to evaporate liberated glycerol.
- In Solvent-Borne Paints & Coatings: Micronized HCO acts as a enhanced thixotrope and anti-sag agent, forming a reversible hydrogen-bonded gel network in aromatic and aliphatic solvent systems.
- In PVC & Polymer Compounding: HCO acts as an internal/external lubricant and release agent with melting at 85°C–88°C, while 12-HSA serves as an intermediate for synthesizing bio-polyols and esters (Calcium, Lithium, Zinc 12-hydroxystearates).
Frequently Asked Technical Questions
Can 12-HSA (under development) be manufactured directly from castor oil? +
No. Castor oil is first fully hydrogenated to form HCO. The HCO is then subjected to high-pressure fat splitting (hydrolysis) to yield crude 12-HSA and aqueous glycerin, followed by purification and crystallization.
Why does HCO have a higher melting point than 12-HSA? +
HCO's trifunctional triglyceride structure packs into a dense crystalline lattice with three interlocking C18 chains per molecule, raising its melting point to 85°C–88°C compared to 75°C–78°C for the free fatty acid 12-HSA.
What packaging is standard for HCO and 12-HSA? +
Both are supplied as free-flowing flakes or micronized powders in 25 kg multi-wall kraft paper bags with inner polyethylene moisture liners (approx. 16.0–18.0 MT per 20ft FCL (Container loading details available on request)).
What are their respective HS codes? +
HCO is classified under HS 1516.20, and 12-HSA is classified under HS 2918.19 (indicative classification; final HS code confirmed at export).
How can blenders evaluate both products for grease formulations? +
Nagdev Products provides laboratory sample boxes containing 1 kg samples of NDEVWAX™ HCO (regular supply) and evaluation samples of NDEVACID™ 12-HSA (under development) with analytical documentation upon request.
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