RICINOLEIC ACID: The Ultimate Technical & Commercial Guide
High-Purity Castor Derivative (C18:1, OH) Manufacturer: NOVA INDUSTRIES | Gujarat, India
Product Focus: High-Purity Castor Derivative (C18:1, OH)
Manufacturer: NOVA INDUSTRIES | Gujarat, India
1. Product Overview: The Bio-Based Powerhouse
Ricinoleic Acid (12-hydroxy-9-cis-octadecenoic acid) is the functional backbone of Castor Oil, constituting 85–90% of its fatty acid profile.
Unlike standard fatty acids (like Oleic or Stearic), Ricinoleic Acid is a Tri-Functional Molecule. Its unique C18 chain features:
-
Carboxylic Group (-COOH): For esterification.
-
Double Bond (Unsaturation): For polymerization and oxidative reactions.
-
Hydroxyl Group (-OH): The key differentiator, allowing for chemical modification like urethane formation.
This structure makes it the premier choice for High-Performance Lubricants, Polyamides, Polyurethanes, and Personal Care formulations.
2. Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
Below is the standard specification for our Commercial and Premium Grades.
| Product Name | RICINOLEIC ACID |
| CAS Number | 141-22-0 |
| INCI Name | Ricinoleic Acid |
| Chemical Formula | C₁₈H₃₄O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | ~298.46 g/mol |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic, Mild fatty odor |
Specification / Certificate of Analysis (COA) Parameters
| Parameters | Test Method | Standard Specification |
| Acid Value | AOCS Te 1a-64 | 175 – 190 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | AOCS Tl 1a-64 | 180 – 195 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | AOCS Tg 1-64 | 80 – 90 g I₂/100g |
| Hydroxyl Value | AOCS Cd 13-60 | 150 – 165 mg KOH/g |
| Moisture Content | Karl Fischer | Max 0.25% |
| Color (Gardner) | AOCS Td 1a-64 | 4 – 6 Max |
| Specific Gravity | @ 25°C | 0.940 – 0.950 |
| Refractive Index | @ 25°C | 1.4700 – 1.4740 |
| Purity (by GC) | Gas Chromatography | Min 85% – 90% |
(Note: Custom specifications for Premium/Pharmaceutical grades available upon request.)
3. Manufacturing Process: From Seed to Molecule
Nova Industries employs a rigorous 6-Step Process to ensure purity and stability.
-
Extraction: We start with refined Castor Oil from Ricinus communis seeds.
-
Saponification/Splitting: The oil is treated (via High-Pressure Splitting or Alkaline Saponification) to break the triglyceride bonds, releasing Glycerol and Crude Fatty Acids.
-
Acidulation: The soap stock is acidified to isolate the free fatty acids.
-
Washing: Intense washing cycles remove mineral salts and impurities.
-
Vacuum Distillation (The Critical Step): The crude acid is distilled under high vacuum. This separates Ricinoleic Acid from non-functional fatty acids, ensuring Low Color and High Purity.
-
Finishing: Final filtration and Nitrogen Blanketing during packing to prevent oxidation.
4. Key Applications by Industry
A. Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids
-
Role: Used as a lubricity additive and corrosion inhibitor.
-
Benefit: The hydroxyl group provides excellent wetting properties on metal surfaces, superior to standard fatty acids. It is a precursor for Estolides (bio-lubricants).
B. Coatings, Inks & Resins
-
Role: Intermediate for Alkyd Resins and Epoxy esters.
-
Benefit: Provides non-yellowing properties, flexibility, and impact resistance in the cured film.
C. Polyurethanes & Polymers
-
Role: Reacts with isocyanates to form Polyurethanes.
-
Benefit: Acts as a natural polyol, improving the hydrolysis resistance and hydrophobicity of the final polymer. Used in bio-based nylons (Polyamide 11).
D. Cosmetics & Personal Care
-
Role: Emulsifier, surfactant, and skin conditioner.
-
Benefit: Found in lipsticks (pigment dispersant), facial cleansers (sodium ricinoleate soaps), and moisturizers.
E. Textile & Leather Chemicals
-
Role: Production of Sulfated Castor Oil (Turkey Red Oil).
-
Benefit: Excellent wetting and dyeing assistant.
5. Handling, Storage & Safety (MSDS Summary)
-
Handling: Product is non-toxic but viscous. Standard PPE (Gloves, Glasses) recommended.
-
Storage Conditions:
-
Keep in tightly closed containers (Drums/IBC).
-
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
-
Temperature: Avoid excessive heat to prevent polymerization or oxidation.
-
Winter Note: Material may become viscous or semi-solid at low temperatures. Gentle warming restores flow.
-
-
Shelf Life: 12 to 24 months from the date of manufacture (in original sealed packaging).
6. Commercial Logistics
| Packaging Type | Net Weight | Container Load (20ft) |
| MS / HDPE Drums | 190 / 200 Kg | ~ 80 Drums (16 MT) |
| IBC Totes | 950 / 1000 Kg | ~ 18-20 IBCs |
| Flexi Tank | Bulk | ~ 20-21 MT |
| ISO Tank | Bulk | ~ 20-23 MT |
7. Why Choose Nova Industries?
-
Strategic Location: Based in Gujarat, the global hub of Castor production, ensuring fresh feedstock and lower logistics costs.
-
Quality Assurance: ISO 9001:2015 certified processes with in-house Gas Chromatography (GC) testing.
-
Customization: Ability to tailor Acid Value and Color specs for sensitive applications.
-
Global Compliance: Documents available for REACH, Kosher, and Halal requirements (on request).
Contact Us:
For current pricing, samples, or specific technical consultations, please reach out to our Sales Department.
