12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid – Flakes (12HSA)

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12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid – Flakes (12HSA)

 

High-Purity, High-Melting Castor Derivative for Greases, Cosmetics, Polymers & Industrial Chemicals | Nova Industries**

12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12HSA) is a high-value, saturated hydroxy fatty acid produced by the hydrogenation and saponification of castor oil. It is supplied in the form of white, brittle flakes with a high melting point, excellent thermal stability, strong thickening ability, and superior gelling properties.

12HSA is a vital raw material for lithium greases, cosmetic creams, coatings, hot-melt adhesives, PVC stabilizers, rubbers, fibers, and specialty chemicals. Nova Industries is a trusted global manufacturer and exporter of premium-grade 12HSA flakes.

1. Manufacturing Process of 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid – Flakes (12HSA)

A. Raw Material: Hydrogenated Castor Oil

  • Manufacturing begins with Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) of high purity.

  • HCO is selected based on:

    • Low moisture

    • Low acid value

    • High saturation

    • Neutral odor

B. Saponification

  1. HCO is reacted with caustic soda (alkali).

  2. This converts triglycerides into:

    • 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (free fatty acid)

    • Glycerin (separated as byproduct)

C. Acidification

  • The soap mixture is treated with mineral acid.

  • This liberates pure 12-HSA from the saponified mass.

D. Separation & Washing

  • The fatty acid layer is separated.

  • It is repeatedly washed with hot water to remove:

    • Alkali residues

    • Impurities

    • Soap traces

E. Refining

  • Further purification ensures:

    • Whiteness

    • Low odor

    • High chemical purity

F. Flaking Process

  • Melted 12HSA is passed onto a cooling flaker belt/drum, producing:

    • Bright white flakes

    • Brittle granules

    • Uniform particle size

G. Sieving & Grading

  • Flakes are graded for consistency in:

    • Size

    • Color

    • Melting point

H. Quality Control Parameters

  • Acid value

  • Melting point

  • Saponification value

  • Iodine value

  • Whiteness index

  • Moisture

  • Impurity content

2. Applications & Industries Using 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12HSA)

12HSA is one of the most important castor oil derivatives used across numerous industries.

A. Major Industries

  • Lubricants & grease manufacturing

  • Cosmetics & skincare

  • Polymers & plastics

  • Rubber industry

  • Hot-melt adhesives

  • Coatings & inks

  • Textile auxiliaries

  • PVC & polymer stabilizers

  • Pharmaceuticals

B. Key Applications

  • Lithium and Complex Greases

    • 12HSA is the primary gelling agent for lithium-based greases.

  • Cosmetics

    • Creams, lotions, lipsticks, balms, emulsions

  • PVC processing

    • Internal/external lubricant

  • Hot-melt adhesives

    • Improves tack and stability

  • Rubber industry

    • Anti-tack agent

    • Modifier in synthetic rubber

  • Fiber & Polyester Manufacture

    • Used as an intermediate

  • Coatings & Inks

    • Matte effect agent

    • Thickener

  • Waxes, polishes & protective films

3. Benefits of 12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid – Flakes

Functional Benefits

  • Excellent gelling ability

  • Enhances viscosity in greases and cosmetics

  • Smooth, stable thickening agent

  • Superior lubricity & slip properties

Technical Benefits

  • High degree of saturation → excellent oxidative stability

  • High chemical purity

  • High melting point suitable for heat-resistant products

  • Excellent compatibility with resins, oils, and polymers

Commercial Benefits

  • Cost-effective compared to synthetic fatty acids

  • Globally demanded across multiple industries

  • Long shelf life and stable performance

4. Technical & Premium Quality Details

Typical Technical Specifications

  • Appearance: White to off-white flakes

  • Melting Point: 76°C – 82°C

  • Acid Value: 175 – 185 mg KOH/g

  • Saponification Value: 178 – 188

  • Iodine Value: < 5 g I₂/100g (highly saturated)

  • Hydroxyl Value: 155 – 165

  • Moisture: < 0.3%

  • Odor: Mild, neutral

  • Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents

Quality Highlights

  • Pure white flakes

  • Low odor suitable for cosmetics

  • High melting point for high-temperature applications

  • Fully saturated → excellent stability

5. Key Specifications & Features

Physical Features

  • Hard, brittle crystalline flakes

  • Excellent whiteness

  • Uniform particle size

  • High melting, wax-like appearance

Chemical Features

  • Hydroxy fatty acid

  • Fully saturated structure

  • Strong hydrogen bonding ability

  • Excellent thickening properties

Available Variants

  • Standard 12HSA flakes

  • Cosmetic-grade 12HSA

  • Rubber-grade 12HSA

  • High-melting custom grades

6. Why Choose Nova Industries for 12HSA Flakes

A. State-of-the-Art Manufacturing

  • Fully integrated castor derivative plant

  • Advanced saponification and acidification units

  • Hygienic flaking systems ensuring low contamination

B. Strict Quality Control

Each batch tested for:

  • Melting point

  • Acid value

  • Whiteness index

  • Moisture

  • Particle size

  • Odor profile

C. Certifications & Compliance

  • ISO-certified

  • REACH-compliant exports

  • GMO-free, vegan, cruelty-free

  • Cosmetic-grade & industrial-grade compliance

D. Strong Global Presence

  • Large repeat buyers in:

    • USA

    • Europe

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Latin America

    • Middle East

  • Consistent supply & large batch capability

E. Customization Support

  • Custom flake size

  • Modified melting point

  • Cosmetic-specific purification

7. Environmental & Sustainability Points

Eco-Friendly & Renewable Origin

  • Made entirely from castor oil

  • Castor is a non-food, drought-resistant crop

Biodegradable

  • 100% biodegradable and non-toxic

  • Safe for environment & marine ecosystems

Low Carbon Footprint

  • Castor-based chemicals reduce reliance on petroleum

  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions

Supports Green Chemistry

  • Used in bio-based lubricants, polymers, coatings

  • Aligns with global sustainability goals

8. High-Performance Characteristics

  • Exceptional thickening power

  • Excellent oxidative stability

  • Strong hydrogen bonding → durable gels

  • High melting → suitable for heat-resistant greases

  • Enhances adhesion in coatings

  • Improves slip and anti-tack properties in plastics

  • Provides smooth skin feel in cosmetics

9. Additional Value-Added Information

A. Packaging Options

  • 25 kg bags

  • 50 kg bags

  • HDPE bags with inner liners

  • Jumbo bags

  • Export-quality palletized packing

B. Storage Guidelines

  • Store in cool, dry place

  • Keep bags tightly sealed

  • Avoid exposure to moisture

  • Protect from direct sunlight

C. Shelf Life

  • 24 to 36 months

D. Safety & Handling

  • Non-toxic

  • Use gloves & mask while handling flakes

  • Avoid inhalation of dust

  • Follow standard industrial PPE guidelines

E. Export Advantages

  • High global demand

  • India is the world leader in castor derivatives

  • Competitive prices, strong supply reliability

  • Quick shipping from Mundra Port

F. Global Market Trends

  • Rising demand in lithium greases

  • Growth in cosmetic & personal care applications

  • Increased adoption in sustainable polymer and adhesive industries

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