Hydrogenated castor oil

Hydrogenated castor oil (CAS 8001-78-3), also known as HCO or Castorwax MP 70, is produced by the catalytic hydrogenation of castor oil into a hard, waxy solid.

Where is Hydrogenated castor oil used?

• Personal care: structure and texture in lipsticks, balms and stick formulations, where its high melting point prevents softening
• Industrial lubricants: base component or additive in greases, contributing thickening and load-bearing stability
• Coatings and adhesives: Disparlon 805 acts as an anti-settling and sag-resistance agent in solvent-borne systems
• Plastics and rubber: processing aid and softener in PVC and rubber formulations to improve flow and surface finish
• Used in the preparation of polyurethane coating formulas.
• Functions as a binder in synthetic and petroleum waxes, increasing hardness and resistance to crumbling.
• In candle production, increases wax hardness and burn duration.
• A minimum temperature of about 43°C (110°F) is required to properly form the thixotropic structure when adding hydrogenated castor oil.
• Rheology additive in oil and alkyd paints to impart thixotropic body and prevent oil separation.

Formulation notes

• Compatible with most animal, vegetable, and mineral waxes and a wide range of natural and synthetic resins.

Typical specification

• Melts at 86°C to 88°C and consists mainly of glyceryl tris-12-hydroxystearate.
• Available in a grade with a saponification number of 175-185 mg KOH/g.
• Available in a grade with 83% purity.
• Shows relatively high solubility in hydrocarbon solvents such as mineral spirits.

Regulatory status

• Subject to EU REACH registration (registration number 01-2119498298-18).
• INCI name: Hydrogenated Castor Oil.
• Listed in the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
• Listed as an FDA Indirect Additive used in Food Contact Substances in the US.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Commonly packed in bags and supersacks.

Frequently asked questions about Hydrogenated castor oil

How is hydrogenated castor oil incorporated into coating and ink formulations?

It should be added to the carrier before grinding with pigment and mixed in the carrier for about five minutes before adding other components.

What rheological benefits does it provide in coating, printing ink and toner formulations?

It optimizes rheology control, flow properties, gloss and film consistency, and improves the hardness and durability of coatings.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.