Tall oil fatty acid

Tall oil fatty acid (CAS 61790-12-3) is a pine-derived mixture of oleic and linoleic acids recovered as a co-product of kraft pulp processing. It functions as a reactive intermediate and surface-active agent across coatings and lubricants.

In alkyd resin production, this material reacts with polyols and polyacids to build the fatty acid backbone. This determines film flexibility and drying performance in architectural and industrial coatings applications.

Metalworking fluid formulators use it as a corrosion inhibitor and lubricity additive in both neat and water-miscible cutting fluid systems. It provides essential performance characteristics for heavy-duty industrial machining.

In rubber compounding and tire manufacturing, it acts as a processing aid and dispersant for carbon black and other fillers. This ensures uniform distribution of materials during the high-heat vulcanization process.

Leather and textile processors apply it as a softening and surface-conditioning agent to improve handle and substrate wettability. It is highly valued for its ability to modify surface tension in various finishing treatments.

The product is supplied as an amber to dark liquid, with viscosity and acid value varying by distillation cut and purity grade. Commercial grades are differentiated by rosin acid content and iodine value.

Refined distilled grades offer significantly lower rosin content than crude or semi-distilled material. Technical and industrial grades are standard for most manufacturing and chemical synthesis requirements.

Buyers should specify acid value and rosin content tolerances when sourcing this material for specific formulations. Proper grade selection ensures compatibility with other chemical components in the final product.