12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid – Flakes Product Overview
1 2-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA) – Flakes is a high-purity hydroxy fatty acid derived from castor oil through controlled processing. It is primarily valued for its excellent gelling, thickening, and structuring behavior, especially in systems requiring thermal stability and predictable rheology.
This product is widely used as a functional intermediate rather than a commodity ingredient, where formulation performance and consistency are critical.
Manufacturing / Processing (High-Level)
12-HSA is produced through hydrogenation and subsequent processing of castor oil derivatives, followed by purification and controlled solidification. The process is designed to:
- Achieve uniform hydroxyl content
- Maintain consistent melting and gelling behavior
- Minimize impurities that affect downstream formulation stability
The final product is converted into flake form for ease of handling, accurate dosing, and uniform dispersion.
Raw Material Origin
The base raw material originates from castor oil derived from Indian castor seeds, sourced from established agricultural regions. Raw material consistency plays a key role in ensuring reliable functional performance of the final product.
In-House Quality Control & Consistency
Quality control focuses on physical behavior and functional performance, rather than appearance alone. Each batch is evaluated for parameters influencing gelling strength, melting behavior, and consistency.
Batch-wise records and controls are maintained to support traceability and repeatability for long-term buyers.
Key Properties (Indicative)
- Physical form: Solid flakes
- Color: White to off-white
- Odor: Mild, characteristic
- Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in hot oils and selected organic solvents
- Functional behavior: Strong gelling and thickening capability
Typical ranges are indicative and should be confirmed with the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Typical Applications
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid – Flakes is used across multiple industries, including:
- Lubricating Greases: primary thickener for high-performance greases
- Cosmetics & Personal Care: structuring agent in sticks and solid formulations
- Pharmaceuticals: ointment and topical base systems
- Coatings & Inks: rheology and consistency control
- Specialty Chemicals: intermediate for further chemical synthesis
Application suitability depends on formulation design and processing conditions.
Packaging Options
- HDPE bags with inner liner
- Fiber drums
- HDPE or MS drums
- Customized export packaging on request
Packaging is selected to maintain product integrity during storage and transport.
Bulk Supply & Export Readiness
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid – Flakes is supplied in commercial and bulk quantities for domestic and international markets. The product is export-ready with standard compliance documentation.
Supply is offered on an inquiry basis, allowing alignment with buyer-specific volume and packaging requirements.
Quality Documentation
Available upon request:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Documentation is batch-specific to support quality verification and audits.
Traceability & Batch Control
Each production lot is assigned a unique batch identification, enabling backward traceability and consistent repeat supply.
Who Should Use This Product
- Grease manufacturers requiring reliable thickening performance
- Formulators needing predictable gel structure
- Buyers sourcing manufacturer-direct hydroxy fatty acids
When to Use / When Not to Use
Use when:
- Strong gelling and structure are required
- Thermal stability and consistency are critical
Not recommended when:
- Liquid or low-melting fatty acids are needed
- Water solubility is required
Sample → Trial → Commercial Supply
Samples can be provided for laboratory or pilot trials. Commercial supply follows successful evaluation and specification confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is 12-HSA mainly used as a grease thickener?
Yes, it is widely used for grease thickening, though it also serves cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
Q2. Does flake form affect performance?
Flake form improves handling and dispersion but does not change intrinsic functional properties.
Q3. Is the product suitable for export markets?
Yes, it is regularly supplied to international buyers with standard documentation.
Q4. Can long-term supply be arranged?
Yes, subject to volume planning and commercial terms.
Long-Term Supply Perspective
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid – Flakes is positioned as a performance-critical material, not a spot-buy commodity. Emphasis is placed on batch consistency, documentation readiness, and predictable functional behavior to support long-term manufacturing partnerships.
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