Castor Oils

The special composition of castor oil forms the optimal basis for diverse and sustainable materials/products. The main reason for this is the rare molecular structure. The triglyceride contained in castor oil consists of approx. 90% oxy fatty acid, which otherwise does not occur in nature and is difficult to produce synthetically. This is also known as ricinoleic acid and contains a hydroxyl group as well as an isolated double bond. Particularly worth mentioning, in direct comparison to all other vegetable oils and animal fats, is the very high viscosity and the solubility in alcohol. These special properties are the main reasons for the wide use of castor oil in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Castor oil is characterised by its very stable quality. For this reason, even lightly treated oils are used in numerous industries.

Characteristics of castor oil:

OH functionality, acid functionality, double bonds
low viscosity
low colour value
low odour
natural emulsifying effect
broad solubility
high gloss
good shelf life

Castor oil – derivatives

In order to expand the range of applications of our versatile castor oil qualities, our portfolio also includes hydrogenated / hardened castor oils. Hydrogenated castor oils are waxy or powdery and have, among other things, excellent emulsifying properties. Depending on the degree of hydrogenation, our HCO flakes are used as a rheology additive for thickeners or lubricants. If HCO is further hydrogenated, 12-HSA (12-hydroxystearic acid) is formed, which is excellently suited as a base for various chemical applications.

Characteristics of castor oil derivatives:

excellent lubricating effect
emulsifying effect
demulsifying effect
OH functionality no unsaturated groups (lightfast)
high product purity
low colour numbers possible
low nickel content possible

Castor oil – specialties

Pharmaceutical castor oils: Our specialities for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sector are produced with great care according to a special process in compliance with the specifications of the European Pharmacopeia (Ph.Eur.).

Characteristics: low colour value, low odour, gently processed, very stable to hydrolysis, broad compatibility and solubility

Dehydrated products: Another possibility to chemically modify castor oil in order to achieve further applications is dehydration. By splitting off an OH group, our di-functional dehydrated castor oil is created, which can be used as a plasticiser. These qualities are used in PUR foams and in the production of prepolymers. The lower polarity of the dehydrated castor oil leads to a broad compatibility. Due to a further reduction of the OH groups, additional double bonds are formed which are very reactive to oxygen. ALBERDINGK® Dehydrated Castor Oil is suitable as an odourless and lightfast alternative to linseed oil.

Characteristics: low functionality, strong de-emulsifying effect, prolonged pot life, improved compatibility

Castor oil low acid / low moisture: Through special refining steps, certain parameters of castor oil can be adjusted. Additional deacidification and drying facilitate handling in polyurethane systems. A low acid value leads, among other things, to improved hydrolysis stability and a longer pot life.

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