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Ricinoleic Acid High-Purity Hydroxy Fatty Acid for Lubricants, Cosmetics, Polymers & Specialty Chemicals | Nova Industries

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Ricinoleic Acid

High-Purity Hydroxy Fatty Acid for Lubricants, Cosmetics, Polymers & Specialty Chemicals | Nova Industries**

Ricinoleic Acid is the most valuable component of castor oil—constituting ≈ 85–90% of its fatty acid profile. It is a unique C18:1 hydroxy fatty acid (12-hydroxyoleic acid) containing hydroxyl, carboxyl, and double-bond functionalities, making it extremely versatile for chemical reactions, industrial formulations, and specialty applications.

Nova Industries produces high-purity Ricinoleic Acid through controlled hydrolysis and fractional distillation processes, supplying it globally for cosmetics, lubricants, polymers, surfactants, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals.

1. Manufacturing Process of Ricinoleic Acid

A. Raw Material Selection – High-Quality Castor Oil

  • Castor Oil FSG / PPG is selected based on:

    • Low moisture

    • Low FFA

    • High ricinoleic content

B. Hydrolysis (Fat Splitting)

  1. Castor oil is reacted with water and steam under pressure.

  2. This splits the triglycerides into:

    • Ricinoleic Acid (free fatty acid)

    • Glycerin (byproduct)

This method ensures maximum retention of the hydroxyl functionality.

C. Purification

  • The crude fatty acid mixture is washed with hot water.

  • Removes:

    • Soap particles

    • Residual glycerin

    • Impurities

D. Fractional Distillation

  • Carried out in high vacuum distillation columns.

  • Ricinoleic Acid is distilled at controlled temperature to achieve:

    • High purity

    • Low color

    • Low odor

E. Final Polishing

  • Carbon polishing / micro-filtering ensures high clarity and brightness.

F. Quality Testing

Each batch is tested for:

  • Purity (%)

  • Acid value

  • Iodine value

  • Hydroxyl value

  • Moisture

  • Color

  • Odor

G. Packaging

  • Packed in drums, IBCs, or ISO tanks based on customer needs.

2. Applications & Industries Using Ricinoleic Acid

A. Major Industries

  • Lubricants & grease manufacturing

  • Cosmetics & personal care

  • Pharmaceuticals

  • Plastics & polymers

  • Coatings & inks

  • Surfactants & detergents

  • Adhesives & sealants

  • Textile processing chemicals

  • Rubber industry

  • Intermediate for castor derivatives

B. Key Applications

  • Base material for Sebacic Acid

  • Plasticizers for PVC & polymers

  • Defoamers & wetting agents

  • Specialty lubricants

  • Hair & skin cosmetics

  • Ester oils & waxes

  • Surfactant intermediates

  • Polyurethane & coating additives

  • Deodorants & antiperspirants

  • Softeners in textile chemicals

  • Additives in rubber compounds

Ricinoleic Acid is indispensable for industries requiring chemical reactivity, polarity, and hydroxyl functionality.

3. Benefits of Ricinoleic Acid

Functional Benefits

  • Excellent emulsification and dispersing ability

  • Strong wetting properties

  • Improves solubility and viscosity control

  • Acts as skin-conditioning and moisturizing agent

Technical Benefits

  • Contains three functional groups → highly reactive

  • Ideal for esterification, polycondensation & polymer synthesis

  • High hydroxyl content enhances binding and stability

  • Improves thermal and oxidative stability in formulations

Commercial Benefits

  • Serves as raw material for numerous downstream products

  • High demand in global chemical, cosmetic & polymer industries

  • Cost-effective vs. petroleum-based specialty chemicals

4. Technical & Premium Quality Details

Typical Technical Specifications

  • Appearance: Pale yellow to almost colorless liquid

  • Purity: 85–95% (custom grades available)

  • Acid Value: 175 – 190 mg KOH/g

  • Hydroxyl Value: 152 – 165 mg KOH/g

  • Iodine Value: 76 – 85 g I₂/100g

  • Moisture: ≤ 0.3%

  • Odor: Mild, characteristic

  • Viscosity @ 25°C: 700 – 900 cP

Quality Highlights

  • High hydroxyl functionality

  • Excellent color stability

  • Controlled acidity

  • Highly reactive & consistent quality

5. Key Specifications & Features

Physical Features

  • Clear to slightly yellow viscous liquid

  • Mild odor

  • High boiling point

  • High polarity

Chemical Features

  • Hydroxyl functional fatty acid

  • Reactive double bond

  • High compatibility with resins and polymers

  • Non-toxic & biodegradable

Available Variants

  • Standard-grade Ricinoleic Acid

  • High-purity grade (90–95%)

  • Low-moisture grade

  • Cosmetic-grade, color-controlled variants

6. Why Choose Nova Industries for Ricinoleic Acid

A. Superior Manufacturing Infrastructure

  • Hydrolysis units with precise steam control

  • High vacuum distillation columns

  • Advanced purification systems

B. Stringent Quality Control

Batch-wise testing for:

  • Purity

  • Hydroxyl value

  • Moisture

  • Acid value

  • Color & clarity

C. Certifications & Compliance

  • ISO-certified plant

  • REACH-compliant exports

  • Cosmetic- and pharma-grade options

  • GMO-free, vegan, cruelty-free

D. Trusted Globally

Supplying to:

  • USA

  • Europe

  • Japan

  • Korea

  • Latin America

  • Middle East

E. Customization Capability

  • Purity-adjusted grades

  • Tailor-made specifications

  • Support for formulation development

7. Environmental & Sustainability Points

Renewable Source

  • Derived 100% from castor oil

  • Castor is a drought-resistant, non-food crop

Fully Biodegradable

  • Breaks down naturally

  • No toxic residue

Low Carbon Footprint

  • Greener alternative to petroleum-based fatty acids

  • Sustainable & environmentally responsible

Aligned with Green Chemistry

  • Suitable for bio-based polymers, surfactants, and lubricants

  • Reduces environmental impact

8. High-Performance Characteristics

  • Excellent thermal stability

  • Strong solubility in organic systems

  • Outstanding emulsification

  • High lubricity

  • Effective viscosity control

  • Ideal reactivity for polymer and ester synthesis

  • Enhances binding properties in adhesives & coatings

9. Additional Value-Added Information

A. Packaging Options

  • 200–220 kg MS drums

  • 1000 L IBC tanks

  • ISO tank containers (bulk)

  • HDPE drum packing on request

B. Storage Guidelines

  • Store in cool, dry area

  • Avoid moisture & sunlight

  • Keep drums tightly sealed

  • Recommended: 20–30°C

C. Shelf Life

  • Minimum 24 months

D. Safety & Handling

  • Non-toxic

  • Use gloves and avoid eye contact

  • Maintain industrial hygiene practices

E. Export Advantages

  • Strong global demand

  • India is key supplier of castor derivatives

  • Efficient logistics via Mundra Port

F. Global Market Trends

  • Increased use in bio-lubricants

  • Rising adoption in cosmetics & personal care

  • Growing demand for bio-based polymers and esters

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