Product Definition & Industrial Relevance
Commercial Grade Castor Oil (C.C.O) is a mechanically extracted and refined vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of Ricinus communis. It is supplied for general industrial applications where functional performance is required without the tighter aesthetic or purity controls associated with higher refined grades.
Industrially, C.C.O serves as a cost-efficient base oil and intermediate, supporting large-volume applications across multiple sectors.
Product Overview
Commercial Grade Castor Oil is produced from castor seeds through mechanical pressing followed by basic refining to remove moisture, solids, and selected impurities.
Common industrial forms and grades:
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Commercial Grade Castor Oil (C.C.O)
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Variants aligned to application-specific requirements (specification dependent)
At a high level, C.C.O retains the natural chemical structure of castor oil, including its hydroxyl functionality. Compared with refined grades such as Pale Pressed or First Pressed Degummed, C.C.O offers broader tolerance in appearance and odour, making it suitable for non-aesthetic-sensitive and high-consumption industrial uses.
Manufacturing Process (High Level)
The production of Commercial Grade Castor Oil follows a straightforward, industrially established pathway.
1. Raw Material Sourcing
Castor seeds are sourced from agricultural regions with established cultivation and handling practices.
2. Mechanical Oil Extraction
Oil is obtained by pressing the seeds, separating oil from solid meal.
3. Basic Refining
Refining steps reduce excess moisture, suspended solids, and selected impurities to meet commercial specifications.
4. Filtration & Conditioning
The oil is filtered and conditioned for storage or shipment.
5. Quality Control Stages
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Incoming raw material inspection
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In-process monitoring
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Final batch testing prior to dispatch
Specific operating conditions or proprietary steps are not disclosed.
Key Properties & Technical Characteristics
The performance of C.C.O depends on its inherent chemistry and consistency. Each property affects handling and end-use suitability.
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Appearance & Physical State – Yellow to amber viscous liquid; appearance tolerance is wider than refined grades.
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Odour – Natural characteristic odour; acceptable for industrial applications.
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Viscosity – Naturally high, contributing to lubricity and film formation.
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Specific Gravity – Indicates compositional consistency between batches.
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Acid Value – Reflects free fatty acid content within commercial limits.
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Hydroxyl Value – Represents reactive hydroxyl groups essential for chemical modification.
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Iodine Value – Indicates degree of unsaturation and oxidation behavior.
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Saponification Value – Used to assess fatty acid chain composition.
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Moisture Content – Controlled to maintain storage stability.
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Unsaponifiable Matter – Monitored to ensure process suitability.
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Oxidation Stability – Relevant for storage and downstream use.
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Typical Impurities Monitored – Residual solids, gums, and trace contaminants.
Typical Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Indication |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Key Chemical Values | Typical range — confirm with Certificate of Analysis (COA) |
| Purity Indicators | Batch-specific, COA verified |
Exact numerical values depend on specification and must be confirmed with the COA.
Applications & End-Use Industries
Pharmaceuticals
Use case: Limited, non-critical formulation applications.
Why it works: Functional castor oil chemistry at commercial specification.
Examples: Processing aids and intermediate systems (application dependent).
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Use case: Restricted or non-aesthetic-sensitive formulations.
Why it works: Lubricity and dispersing properties.
Examples: Soaps and basic personal care products.
Lubricants & Greases
Use case: Base oil or blending component.
Why it works: High viscosity and natural lubricity.
Examples: Industrial lubricants, grease manufacturing.
Polymers & Resins
Use case: Renewable intermediate.
Why it works: Hydroxyl functionality supports chemical modification.
Examples: Polyurethanes, modified resins.
Paints, Coatings & Adhesives
Use case: Functional oil component.
Why it works: Film-forming ability and compatibility with resin systems.
Examples: Industrial coatings, inks, adhesive blends.
Specialty & Other Industrial Uses
Use case: Feedstock for downstream castor derivatives.
Why it works: Predictable chemical structure and availability.
Examples: Hydrogenated castor oil, fatty acids, esters.
Quality Standards & Compliance Practices
Commercial Grade Castor Oil is supplied based on routine testing and batch verification, without unverifiable certification claims.
Common practices include:
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Acid value testing
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Moisture analysis
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Appearance and odour checks
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Batch traceability
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Availability of COA, TDS, and MSDS
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Quality systems aligned with generic ISO-style frameworks
Packaging, Storage & Export Handling
Common packaging options:
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HDPE drums
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IBC containers
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Bulk supply (application dependent)
Storage guidelines:
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Store in a cool, dry, sealed environment
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Protect from heat, air exposure, and moisture
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Shelf life depends on storage conditions
Export documentation typically includes:
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Commercial Invoice
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Packing List
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Certificate of Analysis (COA)
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MSDS
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Bill of Lading
HS Code: Provided on request
MOQ & Lead Time: Subject to grade, packaging, and incoterms; confirm at enquiry
Why Buyers Source Commercial Grade Castor Oil from India
India is a primary global origin for castor seeds and castor oil. Gujarat functions as a major processing and export hub due to integrated agricultural sourcing, established oil processing infrastructure, and strong port connectivity, supporting traceable and consistent international supply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Commercial Grade Castor Oil mainly used for?
For large-volume industrial applications requiring functional castor oil chemistry.
2. How does C.C.O differ from refined grades?
It has wider tolerance in appearance and odour.
3. Is C.C.O water-soluble?
No, it is insoluble in water.
4. How should it be stored?
In sealed containers, away from heat and moisture.
5. What affects shelf life?
Storage conditions and air exposure.
6. Are batches tested before dispatch?
Yes, routine QC checks are performed.
7. Can specifications vary by application?
Yes, commercial specifications may differ by use.
8. Is export documentation provided?
COA, MSDS, and standard export documents are available.
Technical Enquiries
For technical datasheets, samples, or commercial enquiries, buyers may contact Nova Industries at export@novaind.in.
