Vegetable Glycerine (Castor-Derived): Technical Specifications and Industrial Versatility

1. Technical Overview

Vegetable Glycerine, chemically known as Glycerol (), is a high-purity, clear, and odorless trihydric alcohol. While glycerine can be sourced from various fats or synthesized from petroleum, Nova Industries provides a   100% Castor-Derived   version obtained as a co-product of the castor oil splitting (hydrolysis) process. It is characterized by its high hygroscopicity, low toxicity, and exceptional solvent power. In industrial R&D, it is a critical humectant and plasticizer, meeting the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

2. Chemical Structure & Composition

Glycerine is a simple polyol with three hydroxyl (-OH) groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature.

Molecular Weight:   92.09 g/mol.
Purity:   Available in refined grades with 99.5% to 99.7% min glycerol content.
Functionality:   The three hydroxyl groups allow for esterification to produce monoglycerides and polyglycerol esters.

The castor-derived origin ensures that the glycerine is free from animal-derived impurities (BSE/TSE free) and is non-GMO, satisfying the growing demand for “Clean Label” ingredients.

3. Physical & Chemical Properties

Appearance:   Colorless, transparent, syrupy liquid.
Taste: Sweet, with approximately 60% the sweetness of sucrose.
Viscosity:  High (~1,412 mPa·s at 20°C), though it decreases rapidly with temperature or water addition.
Specific Gravity:   ~1.261 at 25°C.
Flash Point:   ~176°C (Closed Cup).
Solubility:   Completely miscible with water and alcohol; insoluble in hydrocarbons and fixed oils.

4. Reaction Chemistry

Glycerine is a versatile chemical building block:

1. Hygroscopic Absorption: It absorbs up to 40% of its weight in water from the atmosphere, preventing the “drying out” of products.
   2. Esterification:   Reacts with fatty acids to produce mono-, di-, and triglycerides used as food emulsifiers.
   3. Nitration:   High-purity glycerine is the precursor for nitroglycerine used in medical vasodilators and explosives.
   4. Resin Synthesis:   Reacts with phthalic anhydride to produce   Alkyd Resins   used in the coatings industry.

 

1. When to Use vs. When NOT to Use

Use Vegetable Glycerine when:

Formulating skincare products requiring deep hydration and emolliency.
Manufacturing oral care products (toothpaste) to prevent hardening and provide sweetness.
Seeking a non-toxic, food-grade solvent for botanical extracts or flavors.

Do NOT use Vegetable Glycerine when:

The application requires a low-viscosity liquid for rapid penetration in non-polar systems.
High-temperature processing in open-air is required without stabilization, as glycerine can begin to decompose and form acrolein (a pungent, irritating gas).

6. Compatibility Profile

Water & Alcohols:   Excellent; forms stable, clear solutions.
Gums & Thickeners:   Synergistic with Xanthan gum and Carbomers, acting as a wetting agent to prevent “fish eyes” during dispersion.
Active Ingredients:   Compatible with a wide range of vitamins, plant extracts, and pharmaceutical APIs.

7. Manufacturing Process (Product Focus)

The production of high-purity glycerine at Nova Industries involves:

1. Splitting: Refined castor oil is hydrolyzed, yielding “Sweet Water” (dilute glycerine).
   2. Evaporation:   Concentrates the sweet water into crude glycerine (approx. 80%).
   3. Distillation:   High-vacuum fractional distillation removes fatty acids and color-causing impurities.
   4. Carbon Treatment:   Activated carbon is used to reach “water-white” clarity and eliminate any residual odor.
   5. Refining:   Final polishing ensures compliance with USP/BP/Ph. Eur. pharmacopeia standards.
2. Technical Specifications Table

| Parameter | Specification (Refined USP Grade) |
| — | — |
|   Appearance   | Colorless, Transparent Liquid |
|   Glycerol Content   | 99.5% Min |
|   Specific Gravity (at 25°C)   | 1.261 Min |
|   Color (APHA)   | 10 Max |
|   Chlorides   | 10 ppm Max |
|   Sulfated Ash   | 0.01% Max |
|   Heavy Metals (as Pb)   | 5 ppm Max |

9. Quality Grade Analysis

Nova Industries monitors   Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) levels  . We guarantee that our castor-derived glycerine is free from these toxic contaminants, ensuring 100% safety for pharmaceutical and food applications. Each batch is tested via Gas Chromatography (GC) to ensure total compliance with international safety protocols.

10. Industry-Wise Application 1: Pharmaceuticals

Used as a solvent, sweetening agent, and humectant in cough syrups, elixirs, and capsules. In topical medications, it serves as a base for ointments and as a skin protectant.

11. Industry-Wise Application 2: Cosmetics & Personal Care

A foundational ingredient in lotions, creams, and soaps. It acts as a powerful humectant that pulls moisture into the skin, making it indispensable for anti-aging and moisturizing formulations.

12. Industry-Wise Application 3: Food & Beverage

Classified as E422, it is used as a humectant in baked goods to maintain moisture, as a solvent for food colorings, and as a filler in low-fat food products to provide bulk and texture.

13. Industry-Wise Application 4: Industrial & Surface Coatings

In the manufacture of alkyd resins, glycerine provides the necessary hydroxyl functionality to cross-link with fatty acids, resulting in durable, high-gloss industrial paints.

14. Formulation Guide

Skincare:   Typically used at 2% to 10%. High concentrations (>20%) can feel sticky on the skin unless balanced with silicones or light esters.
Solubility Tip:   When dissolving powders, slurry the powder in glycerine first before adding water to ensure a lump-free solution.

15. Sustainability Data

Castor-derived glycerine is 100% bio-based and non-GMO. It is a secondary product of the castor oil industry, representing high resource efficiency and a low environmental footprint compared to synthetic alternatives.

16. Packaging & Logistics (Technical)

Standard:   250kg HDPE or Epoxy-lined MS Drums.
Bulk:   1000kg IBC Tanks or ISO Tanks.
Logistics:   Non-hazardous for transport. Because it is hygroscopic, ensure the seals are perfectly intact to prevent moisture absorption from the air.

17. Storage Science

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Glycerine can absorb up to 20% of its weight in water if left exposed to the atmosphere. For bulk storage, 316-grade stainless steel tanks are recommended. Protect from direct sunlight to prevent slight yellowing over time.

18. Troubleshooting Guide

Problem:   Product feels “sticky” in the final formulation.   Solution:   Reduce the glycerine concentration or add a “dry” emollient like Isopropyl Myristate (IPM).
Problem: Glycerine content is dropping during storage.   Solution:   Check for air leaks in the tank; the drop is likely due to water absorption from the humidity.

19. Regulatory Compliance

Our Vegetable Glycerine is   REACH Compliant  , Halal & Kosher certified, and meets the standards of the   USP (United States Pharmacopeia)  ,   BP (British Pharmacopeia)  , and   Ph. Eur. (European Pharmacopeia)  .

20. Safety (SDS Summary)

Handling:   Generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Non-irritating to skin.
Fire:   High flash point; in case of fire, use alcohol-resistant foam or CO2.
Environment:   Fully biodegradable; safe for disposal in standard biological treatment systems.

21. Sample Validation Process

Verify the   Glycerol Content   and   Specific Gravity  . For pharmaceutical clients, the absence of DEG/EG must be confirmed by GC analysis for every lot.

22. Contact CTA

For Technical Data Sheets (TDS), safety certifications, or to request a sample of our high-purity Castor-Derived Glycerine, please contact our technical export team: export@novaind.in