Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) – Flakes | Complete A–Z Guide

Premium Grade Castor Wax Manufactured by Nova Industries

Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), also known as Castor Wax or Hydrogenated Castor Wax, is a high-performance, bio-based, hard wax derived from pure castor oil. Due to its excellent oxidative stability, high melting point, lubricity, hardness, and exceptional rheological properties, it is used worldwide in lubricants, greases, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, coatings, inks, adhesives, plastics, and specialty chemical applications.

This comprehensive guide explains everything from manufacturing to applications, benefits, specifications, sustainability, market value, and why Nova Industries is a globally trusted HCO manufacturer.

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🏭 1. Manufacturing Process of Hydrogenated Castor Oil Flakes (HCO)

Complete A–Z Production Overview

Nova Industries uses a precision-controlled hydrogenation process to convert liquid castor oil into solid, crystalline HCO Flakes.

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Step 1: High-Purity Castor Oil Selection

• Extracted from Ricinus communis seeds

• Double refined to remove:
  ✔ gums
  ✔ moisture
  ✔ free fatty acids
  ✔ impurities

• Ensures low color & high reactivity

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Step 2: Catalytic Hydrogenation Reaction

Key Operating Conditions

• Temperature: 125°C – 135°C

• Pressure: 2.0 – 2.5 kg/cm²

• Catalyst: Nickel-based catalyst

• Hydrogen Source: Controlled hydrogen gas

Chemical Conversion

• Unsaturated ricinoleic acid triglycerides → fully saturated triglycerides

• Results in:
  ✔ Higher melting point
  ✔ Full oxidative stability
  ✔ Hard crystalline structure

Reaction Completion Criteria

Hydrogenation is complete when:

• Iodine Value (IV) ≤ 3.0 is achieved

• No IV reduction for 30 minutes, ensuring 100% saturation

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Step 3: Catalyst Removal & Purification

The spent nickel catalyst is removed through:

• High-pressure filtration

• Multi-stage metal removal

• Final purity: ≤ 5–10 ppm Nickel

Nova Industries uses zero-waste catalyst recovery, supporting sustainability.

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Step 4: Flaking Process

Molten hydrogenated castor oil is fed onto a:

• Chilled flaker drum, or

• Stainless-steel cooling belt

This produces:

• Uniform flakes

• Low-moisture product

• Better handling & storage stability

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Step 5: Final Quality Testing

Each batch is tested for:

• Melting point

• Acid value

• Moisture (≤ 0.5%)

• Nickel content

• Saponification value

• Hydroxyl value

• IV

• Color (Gardner)

• Particle size distribution

Nova Industries is ISO 9001 certified, ensuring world-class quality.

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🏭 2. Applications & Industries (Deep-Dive)

Where HCO Flakes Are Used Worldwide

Hydrogenated Castor Oil Flakes have one of the widest industrial application ranges of any vegetable-based wax.

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⭐ 1. Lubricants & Greases (Largest Global Sector)

Used in:

• Automotive greases

• Aviation greases

• Marine greases

• Metal drawing lubricants

• Lithium, calcium & sodium greases

Benefits:

• Increases dropping point

• Enhances water resistance

• Improves structure & consistency

• Compatible with NLGI grade greases

• Excellent anti-wear and anti-corrosion behavior

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⭐ 2. Paints, Coatings, Inks & Adhesives

HCO functions as a rheology modifier & thixotropic agent.

Applications:

• Printing inks

• Solvent-based coatings

• Anti-settling agents

• High-solids coatings

• PVC & acrylic coatings

• Marine anti-fouling paints

• Hot-melt adhesives

• Sealants

Benefits:

• Prevents pigment settling

• Improves flow control

• Enhances film hardness

• Provides viscosity consistency

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⭐ 3. Cosmetics & Personal Care

Used in:

• Lipsticks & lip balms

• Deodorant sticks

• Creams & lotions

• Ointments

• Makeup bases

Benefits:

• Provides stick stability

• Emollient properties

• Raises melting point (ideal for tropical countries)

• Offers smooth, glossy texture

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⭐ 4. Pharmaceuticals

Key applications:

• Tablet binder

• Sustained-release coatings

• Suppository base

• Topical ointment stiffener

• Excipient for controlled release

Specialty Benefit:

• Excellent direct compression lubrication in tablet manufacturing

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⭐ 5. Plastics, Rubber & Polymers

Used as:

• Internal lubricant for PVC

• Mould release agent

• Anti-tack additive

• Processing aid

• Plasticizer for cellulosics

Benefits:

• Reduces die swell

• Helps in smooth demoulding

• Improves polymer flow & appearance

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⭐ 6. Specialty Waxes & Consumer Goods

Used in:

• Crayons

• Candles

• Polishes

• Pencils

• Shoe & furniture wax

Provides gloss, hardness, scratch resistance & opacity.

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⭐ 7. Textiles & Leather Industry

Used as:

• Thread lubricant

• Softening agent

• Water-repellent finish

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⭐ 8. Chemical Synthesis & Polyurethanes

Thanks to its high hydroxyl value, HCO is important in:

• Polyurethane resins

• 12-HSA production

• Polyester polyols

• High-performance polymers

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⭐ 3. Benefits of Hydrogenated Castor Oil Flakes

Performance Benefits

• High heat resistance (85–88°C melting point)

• Excellent moisture & water resistance

• Outstanding oxidative stability (non-rancid)

• Long shelf life

• Strong hardness & gloss

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Functional Benefits

• Excellent structurant & thickener

• Consistent gelling behavior

• Improves viscosity

• Superior thixotropy

• Forms protective film

• Insoluble in water = longer durability

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Commercial Benefits

• Cost-effective vs petroleum waxes

• High global demand

• Eco-friendly, renewable raw material

• Excellent export value

• Stable pricing due to local castor cultivation

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⚙️ 4. Technical & Premium Quality Details

Premium Technical Benchmarks

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📦 5. Key Specifications & Features

General Specifications

• CAS Number: 8001-78-3

• Chemical Formula: C₅₇H₁₁₀O₉

• HS Code: 15162000

• Form: White crystalline flakes

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in hot organic solvents

Available Grades

• Industrial grade

• Cosmetic grade

• Pharma grade

• Low Acid Value grade

• Customized melting point grade

• Fine / medium / coarse flake size

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🏆 6. Why Choose Nova Industries?

Trusted Global Manufacturer of HCO Flakes

✔ Advanced Manufacturing Excellence

• Modern hydrogenation reactors

• Automated filtration systems

• Stainless steel flaking equipment

• Zero-contamination process design

✔ World-Class Quality Control

Each batch undergoes:

• Melt point testing

• AV, IV, HV, SV analysis

• Moisture check

• Color testing

• Particle size analysis

• Heavy metal check

✔ Certifications

• ISO 9001

• GMP-compliant production

• Global export compliant

✔ Strong Global Customer Trust

• 30+ export destinations

• Long-term industrial partnerships

• Reliable supply chain

✔ Export Support (Complete Documentation)

Nova provides:

• MSDS

• COA

• COO

• REACH statements

• FDA indirect food compliance (applicable grades)

• Palletized / shrink-wrapped export packing

✔ Competitive Pricing + Consistent Quality

Ideal for large-scale buyers requiring regular supply.

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🌍 7. Environmental & Sustainability Points

Hydrogenated Castor Oil is one of the most sustainable industrial waxes globally.

Key Sustainability Advantages

✔ Derived from renewable castor plants
✔ Castor cultivation needs:

• Low water

• No heavy fertilizers

• No fertile agricultural land
  ✔ Biodegradable
  ✔ Low carbon footprint
  ✔ Supports green chemistry
  ✔ Zero-waste catalyst recovery
  ✔ Helps replace petroleum-derived waxes

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⚙️ 8. High Performance: Why Industries Prefer HCO

• High melting point → excellent thermal durability

• Total saturation → oxidative stability

• Strong crystalline structure → superior hardness

• Excellent lubricity → industrial benefit

• Predictable thixotropy → coatings & inks

• Reactivity due to hydroxyl group → polyurethane manufacturing

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🔍 9. Additional Value-Added Information

Packaging Options

• 25 kg HDPE/PP bags

• Multilayer paper bags

• 500–1000 kg FIBC (jumbo) bags

• Palletized & shrink-wrapped

Storage

• Store at 10–30°C

• Keep away from moisture

• Protect from direct heat & sunlight

Shelf Life

• 24 months (when stored properly)

Safety

• Non-toxic

• Non-hazardous

• Avoid dust inhalation

• Use PPE while handling molten material

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❓ 10. FAQs (SEO-Optimized for Google Featured Snippets)

Q1. What is Hydrogenated Castor Oil used for?

It is widely used in lubricants, cosmetics, coatings, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and specialty wax applications.

Q2. What is the melting point of HCO flakes?

Premium-grade HCO has a melting point of 85–88°C.

Q3. Is Hydrogenated Castor Oil biodegradable?

Yes, it is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Q4. What is the HS Code of Hydrogenated Castor Oil?

The HS Code is 15162000.

Q5. Is HCO safe for cosmetics?

Yes, cosmetic-grade HCO is non-toxic, stable, and widely used in lipsticks, balms, and creams.

Q6. Does Nova Industries export HCO Flakes?

Yes, Nova Industries supplies HCO globally with complete export documentation.

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⭐ Conclusion

Hydrogenated Castor Oil Flakes (HCO) are a superior, sustainable, high-performance ingredient used across multiple industries. With excellent heat stability, hardness, viscosity control, and biodegradability, HCO is one of the most reliable bio-based waxes worldwide.

Nova Industries manufactures global-standard, premium-grade HCO Flakes with unmatched consistency, purity, and performance—making it the top choice for domestic and international buyers.