Commercial Grade Castor Oil (CCO): Technical Specifications and Industrial Applications

1. Technical Overview

Commercial Grade Castor Oil (CCO), often referred to as Industrial Grade Castor Oil, is a cost-effective triglyceride obtained from a combination of the second pressing of castor seeds and solvent extraction of the remaining oil cake. While it contains the same high level of Ricinoleic acid (approx. 90%) as refined grades, it possesses a higher acidity and a darker color profile. In industrial R&D, CCO is the primary choice for applications where the final product’s color is not a critical parameter, such as in heavy-duty lubricants, textile chemicals, and as a raw material for sulfonated oils.

2. Chemical Structure & Composition

The chemical backbone of CCO is identical to refined castor oil, consisting primarily of the triglyceride of 12-hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid.

• Ricinoleic Acid (~88-90%): The defining functional fatty acid.

• Free Fatty Acids (FFA): Higher concentration compared to FSG, typically reflected in a higher acid value.

• Minor Components: Contains trace amounts of oleic, linoleic, and stearic acids.

The presence of the hydroxyl group on the 12th carbon remains the key functional site for chemical reactions, making CCO a highly reactive bio-polyol despite its industrial purity level.²

 

3. Physical & Chemical Properties

CCO is a viscous, dark-colored liquid with distinct industrial properties:

• Appearance: Deep yellow to brownish-yellow liquid.

• Viscosity: ~6.5 to 8.5 stokes at 25°C, providing excellent film-forming and lubricating capabilities.³

   

• Specific Gravity: 0.950 – 0.965 at 30°C.

• Flash Point: High thermal stability (>250°C), making it suitable for high-heat industrial processes.

• Solubility: Soluble in alcohols and organic solvents; insoluble in water.⁴

   

4. Reaction Chemistry

CCO is highly versatile in industrial reactors:

1. Sulfonation: Reacts with sulfuric acid to produce Turkey Red Oil (Sulfonated Castor Oil), a vital wetting agent.⁵

    

2. Saponification: Reacts with alkalis to produce industrial soaps and metallic stearates used in grease manufacturing.⁶

    

3. Hydrolysis: Can be split into industrial-grade Ricinoleic acid and glycerin.

5. When to Use vs. When NOT to Use

Use CCO when:

• Producing Turkey Red Oil (Sulfonated Castor Oil) for the textile or leather industry.

• Manufacturing low-cost industrial lubricants, hydraulic fluids, or additives.⁷

   

• Formulating darker-colored alkyd resins or primers where aesthetics are secondary to performance.

Do NOT use CCO when:

• The application requires a “water-white” or pale yellow finish (use FSG or PPG instead).

• The process involves sensitive catalysts that could be deactivated by the higher acid content.

• The final product is intended for pharmaceutical or direct cosmetic use.

6. Compatibility Profile

CCO shows excellent synergy with:

• Oils: Readily blends with other vegetable oils and certain mineral oils.

• Resins: High compatibility with phenolic and rosin-based resins.

• Additives: Acts as an effective carrier for anti-foaming agents and industrial surfactants.

7. Manufacturing Process (Product Focus)

The production of CCO at Nova Industries involves:

1. Extraction: Combining the second mechanical pressing with solvent extraction of the castor cake.

2. Solvent Recovery: Ensuring complete removal of extraction solvents (like hexane) to maintain safe flash points.

3. Filtration: Multi-stage filtration to remove any solid impurities or seed meal residues.

4. Quality Standardization: Adjusting the batch to meet the standard commercial acid value and iodine value parameters.

8. Technical Specifications Table

Parameter	Specification (Commercial Grade)
Appearance	Yellow to Brownish Yellow, Viscous Liquid
Acid Value (mg KOH/g)	10.0 Max
Iodine Value (Wijs)	80 – 90
Saponification Value	175 – 185
Hydroxyl Value	155 Min
Moisture & Volatiles	0.50% Max
Insoluble Impurities	0.05% Max
Color Lovibond (5.25″ Cell)	Yellow 50 / Red 10.0 Max

9. Quality Grade Analysis

The primary differentiator for CCO is its Acid Value and Color. While FSG has an acid value of 2.0, CCO allows up to 10.0. This makes CCO significantly more economical for large-scale industrial use where the acidity does not interfere with the chemical process.

10. Impact of Impurities

• High Free Fatty Acids (FFA): While acceptable in CCO, excessively high FFA can lead to increased corrosion in metal storage tanks if not monitored.

• Insoluble Impurities: Nova Industries maintains a strict 0.05% limit to prevent the clogging of industrial sprayers or filtration units in downstream processing.

11. Industry-Wise Application 1: Textile & Leather

CCO is the most common raw material for Turkey Red Oil (TRO). Its high ricinoleic content provides the necessary wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing properties required for dyeing and finishing cotton and leather products.⁸

 

12. Industry-Wise Application 2: Industrial Lubricants

Used in the manufacturing of heavy-duty greases, brake fluids, and hydraulic fluids. The high viscosity and inherent lubricity of castor oil make it superior to many mineral-based alternatives in high-load conditions.⁹

 

13. Industry-Wise Application 3: Surface Coatings

Used in industrial-grade primers, anti-corrosive paints, and bitumen-based coatings where the darker oil color does not affect the final performance.

14. Industry-Wise Application 4: Rubber & Plastics

Acts as a processing aid and secondary plasticizer in the compounding of natural and synthetic rubbers, improving the flow and elasticity of the final product.¹⁰

 

15. Formulation Guide

• Neutralization: When using CCO in soaps, ensure the alkali dosage accounts for the higher acid value compared to refined grades.

• Heating: CCO can be safely heated for industrial mixing, but ensure adequate ventilation to manage the characteristic fatty odor.

16. Sustainability Data

Commercial Grade Castor Oil is 100% bio-based and renewable. It provides a sustainable, biodegradable alternative to petroleum-derived industrial fluids, helping companies reduce their environmental footprint.¹¹

 

17. Packaging & Logistics (Technical)

• Standard: 200kg New or Reconditioned Steel Drums.

• Bulk: 20MT Flexibags or ISO Tanks for cost-efficient global logistics.

• Transport: Classified as non-hazardous for sea and road transport.

18. Storage Science

CCO should be stored in a cool, dry place. Due to its higher acidity, it is more prone to minor oxidation over time if exposed to air. For bulk storage, carbon steel tanks are generally acceptable, but periodic testing of the acid value is recommended to monitor stability.

19. Troubleshooting Guide

• Problem: Excessive foaming in sulfonated oil production. Solution: Check the moisture content of the CCO; high moisture can cause violent reactions during sulfonation.

• Problem: Sedimentation in drums. Solution: This is common in vegetable oils at low temperatures; gently heat the drum to 30-40°C to homogenize the oil.

20. Regulatory Compliance

Our CCO is REACH Compliant and produced under strict quality control measures to ensure consistency across export shipments.

21. Safety (SDS Summary)

• Handling: Use standard industrial PPE. Avoid prolonged skin contact.

• Fire: Extinguish using foam, CO2, or dry chemical.

• Environment: Biodegradable, but large spills should be contained to prevent contamination of water systems.¹²

   

22. Sample Validation Process

For industrial procurement, we recommend validating the Acid Value and Hydroxyl Value. These two parameters are the most critical for ensuring the oil will react correctly in your specific industrial application.

23. Commercial Efficiency

By choosing Nova Industries’ CCO, manufacturers benefit from a stable supply of a high-ricinoleic oil at a competitive price point. The consistency in our extraction process ensures that you do not have to frequently adjust your chemical dosages between batches.

24. Technical FAQs

1. Does CCO contain hexane? No, our advanced solvent recovery system ensures that any residual solvents are removed to trace levels, well within safety standards.

2. Can CCO be used to make biodiesel? Yes, it is a viable feedstock for high-viscosity bio-fuels, though it requires specific transesterification parameters.

3. How long can CCO be stored? In a sealed container, CCO remains stable for 12 months.

25. Contact CTA

For detailed Technical Data Sheets (TDS), pricing for bulk container loads, or to request a sample of our Commercial Grade, please contact us at: export@novaind.in