Tall oil

Tall oil (CAS 8002-26-4) is a byproduct of the kraft pulping process refined into a commercially traded fatty acid and resin acid mixture. Also marketed as Yatall MA and Westvaco CTO.

Where is Tall oil used?

• Coatings and adhesives: emulsifiers and tackifiers that contribute to film formation and substrate adhesion in solvent-borne and water-borne systems
• Rubber and tire: processing aid and softener that reduces mixing viscosity during compounding
• Textile and leather: lubricant and wetting agent improving fiber handling and surface penetration of treatment chemicals
• Pulp and paper: supports sizing formulations and internal lubrication of paper machine components
• It serves as a low-cost, bio-based raw material for surface modification, lubrication, and rheology control.

Good to know: Specifications are typically defined by acid value, rosin content, and unsaponifiable matter. Crude tall oil and distilled tall oil are the primary grades; refined fractions include tall oil fatty acids and tall oil rosin.

Commercial specifications

• Acid value, rosin content, and unsaponifiable matter define specifications
• Refined fractions offer tighter acid value and resin content