HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO)

Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), also known as castor wax or hardened castor oil (CAS No 8001-78-3), is a hard, brittle, high-melting vegetable wax obtained by the catalytic hydrogenation of refined castor oil, consisting mainly of glyceryl tri(12-hydroxystearate) (C57H110O9), and used as a thickener and structurant, rheology additive, lubricant, release agent and dispersing aid in greases, coatings, plastics, rubber, adhesives, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Castor wax is preferred over many other waxes because it combines a high melting point of about 83–88 °C with strong polarity from its hydroxyl groups, which gives good structuring power in oils and solvents, good water resistance and excellent oxidation stability from a renewable, plant-based raw material.
Hardened castor oil works through its saturated, hydroxylated fatty chains: when it is melted or heat-activated in an oil or solvent and then cooled, the 12-hydroxystearate chains crystallise and form hydrogen-bonded networks of fine fibres and platelets that thicken, gel or stabilise the system.

CAS No: 8001-78-3
EC No: 232-292-2
Main component: Glyceryl tri(12-hydroxystearate), C57H110O9
Molecular weight (main component): approx. 939.5 g/mol
INCI name: Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Appearance: White to cream flakes or powder
Melting point: approx. 83–88 °C
Hydroxyl value: approx. 155–165 mg KOH/g
Iodine value: max. approx. 5 g I2/100 g
Water solubility: Practically insoluble

COMMON PRODUCT & CHEMICAL NAMES OF HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO):

Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), Hydrogenated Castor Oil, HCO, Castor Wax, Hardened Castor Oil, Castor Oil Hydrogenated, Castor Oil, Hydrogenated, Fully Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Wax, Castor Oil Wax, Hydrogenated Ricinus Oil, Hydrogenated Ricinus Communis Oil, Glyceryl Tri(12-hydroxystearate), Glyceryl Tris(12-hydroxystearate), Trihydroxystearin, 12-Hydroxystearin, 2,3-Bis[(12-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)oxy]propyl 12-hydroxyoctadecanoate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Flakes, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Powder, Castor Wax Flakes, Ricinus Oil Hydrogenated, Kolliwax HCO, Castorwax

Hydrogenated Castor Oil is the INCI name and the name used in the USP-NF, the European Pharmacopoeia lists the same material as "castor oil, hydrogenated". "Castor wax" and "hardened castor oil" are common industrial names, and HCO is the standard abbreviation. Because the main component is the triglyceride of 12-hydroxystearic acid, the product is also described as glyceryl tri(12-hydroxystearate) or trihydroxystearin, 2,3-bis[(12-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)oxy]propyl 12-hydroxyoctadecanoate is the systematic name of this triglyceride. Kolliwax HCO and Castorwax are examples of trade names for hydrogenated castor oil grades.
The hydrogenated vegetable wax must not be confused with PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (CAS 61788-85-0) and other ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oils. These are nonionic solubilisers made by reacting HCO with ethylene oxide, they are water-soluble and have completely different properties and uses. HCO is also different from castor oil itself (liquid, unsaturated), from 12-hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA, the fatty acid obtained by hydrolysis of HCO) and from organic thixotropes based on HCO derivatives, which are separate commercial products.

WHAT IS HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO)?

Hardened castor oil is a modified vegetable oil, a fatty acid triglyceride from the castor bean (Ricinus communis). Production takes place in three main steps:
1. Castor oil is pressed or extracted from castor seeds and refined.
2. The refined oil is hydrogenated with hydrogen gas at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of a nickel catalyst. During this step the C=C double bonds of ricinoleic acid are saturated, converting it into 12-hydroxystearic acid chains.
3. The catalyst is filtered off, and the molten Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is flaked on cooling drums or milled into powder.

The fatty acid profile of Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is dominated by 12-hydroxystearic acid, with smaller amounts of stearic acid (from the hydrogenation of oleic and linoleic acid) and palmitic acid. Some hydroxyl groups can be lost during hydrogenation, so the hydroxyl value of Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is slightly lower than the theoretical value. A low iodine value shows that hydrogenation is essentially complete.
The castor bean also contains the toxic protein ricin, but ricin is not oil-soluble and does not pass into refined castor oil or Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO).

Castor oil is unusual among vegetable oils: about 85–90 % of its fatty acids are ricinoleic acid, a C18 fatty acid with one double bond and one hydroxyl group. When castor oil is hydrogenated, the double bonds are saturated but the hydroxyl groups stay in place. The product, Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), is therefore a saturated triglyceride with three hydroxyl groups per molecule. This is what gives Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) its typical profile: a hard, high-melting wax that is more polar than paraffin, beeswax or hydrogenated soybean oil.
In practice, Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is supplied as white to cream-coloured flakes or as a fine powder. It is nearly odourless and tasteless. When melted it becomes a clear, colourless to straw-coloured liquid, and on cooling it recrystallises quickly into a hard solid.

The main industrial use of Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is in lubricating greases, where it is saponified with lithium or calcium hydroxide to form 12-hydroxystearate soap thickeners. Castor wax is also used directly as a structurant in cosmetic sticks and creams, as a matrix former in sustained-release tablets, as a lubricant and release agent for PVC and rubber, as a slip and dispersing additive in inks, plastics and masterbatches, and as a flow and anti-settling additive in coatings, sealants and hot-melt adhesives.

Typical products containing Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO): lithium and calcium greases, PVC pipes, profiles and sheets, rubber goods, colour masterbatches, printing inks, powder coatings, solvent-borne paints, sealants and hot-melt adhesives, carbon and coated papers, shoe and furniture polishes, candles, lipsticks, lip balms, deodorant and antiperspirant sticks, creams and ointments, sustained-release tablets and capsules.

CAS NO, EC / EINECS NO AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION OF Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO)
Chemical name: Castor oil, hydrogenated
INCI name: Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Pharmacopoeia names: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (USP-NF), Castor oil, hydrogenated (Ph. Eur.)
CAS No: 8001-78-3
EC / EINECS No: 232-292-2
Substance type: UVCB (substance of variable composition of biological origin)
Main component: Glyceryl tri(12-hydroxystearate), C57H110O9, approx. 939.5 g/mol
REACH: Registered substance
Chemical class: Hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydroxylated triglyceride wax
Main functions: Thickener, structurant, gelling agent, rheology additive, lubricant, release agent, slip agent, dispersing agent, consistency factor, viscosity controller, sustained-release matrix former

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

TYPICAL VALUES FOR COMMERCIAL GRADES (NOT A SPECIFICATION):

APPEARANCE: WHITE TO CREAM FLAKES OR FINE POWDER, HARD AND BRITTLE
Odour and taste: Practically odourless and tasteless
Colour of melt: Clear, colourless to straw-coloured
Melting point: approx. 83–88 °C (some grades up to approx. 89 °C)
Acid value: max. approx. 3–5 mg KOH/g
Iodine value (Wijs): max. approx. 3–5 g I2/100 g
Hydroxyl value: approx. 155–165 mg KOH/g
Saponification value: approx. 176–190 mg KOH/g
Colour (Gardner): max. approx. 3
Density / specific gravity (solid, 20–25 °C): approx. 0.97–1.0
Flash point (COC): approx. 315 °C
Fire point (COC): approx. 335 °C
Ash: very low (for example max. approx. 0.005 %)
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, practically insoluble in most solvents at room temperature, soluble in hot solvents and dissolves in hot oils, forming gels on cooling, soluble in chloroform and methylene chloride
Stability: Very good oxidation and thermal stability, combustible solid, incompatible with strong oxidising agents

Exact values for the Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) grade supplied are given in the COA and specification, available on request from Ataman Kimya.

WHY THE HYDROXYL GROUP MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Most hard vegetable waxes, such as fully hydrogenated soybean or palm oil, are simple saturated triglycerides. The hydrogenated vegetable wax has one hydroxyl group in the middle of each fatty chain. These hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds between neighbouring molecules, and this has several practical consequences:
- a higher melting point and greater hardness than ordinary hydrogenated fats
- crystallisation into fine fibres and needles that build networks in oils, which is the basis of the thickening and anti-settling effect
- limited solubility in non-polar oils and solvents at room temperature, so Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) stays in the structured, crystalline form after cooling
- polar sites that improve wetting and dispersion of pigments and fillers
- a reactive OH group that allows further chemistry, for example ethoxylation to PEG-hydrogenated castor oils or hydrolysis to 12-hydroxystearic acid

For the formulator, this means that processing temperature and cooling rate matter. Castor wax must be heated above a certain activation temperature in the system and then cooled under controlled conditions, overheating or very slow cooling can produce coarse crystals and seeding, while correct processing gives a smooth, stable structure.

Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) IN LUBRICATING GREASES

Greases are the largest single outlet for Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO). In lithium grease manufacture, Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) or 12-hydroxystearic acid is saponified in part of the base oil with lithium hydroxide. The resulting lithium 12-hydroxystearate forms a fibrous soap network that holds the oil. Compared with greases made from ordinary stearates, 12-hydroxystearate greases have higher dropping points, better mechanical stability, better water resistance and good shear stability, which is why they are used as multipurpose greases in automotive and industrial applications. Calcium 12-hydroxystearate greases are made in the same way.
When Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is saponified directly, glycerol is released and remains in the grease, when 12-HSA is used, no glycerol is formed. The choice between Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) and 12-HSA depends on the grease type and process.

COSMETIC AND PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS OF Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE
In lipsticks, lip balms, deodorant and antiperspirant sticks, Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is used as a high-melting structurant. It increases hardness and heat stability, helps the stick keep its shape in warm conditions and reduces sweating (oil bleeding). In antiperspirant sticks it is often combined with stearyl alcohol, and in lip products with other waxes and butters. In creams, ointments, hair waxes and pomades, Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) acts as a consistency factor and viscosity-controlling agent. Its listed cosmetic functions include viscosity controlling, skin conditioning and emollient. Hydrogenated castor oil has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) together with castor oil and related ingredients.

PHARMACEUTICALS
Hardened castor oil is a pharmaceutical excipient described in the Ph. Eur. and USP-NF. In oral dosage forms it is used to form wax matrices or coatings for sustained-release tablets and capsules, and as a lubricant for tablet and capsule manufacturing (including die-wall lubrication). In topical products it gives stiffness to creams, ointments and emulsions, and it is used in suppository bases.

FOOD CONTACT
In the USA, hydrogenated castor oil is listed in several regulations for indirect food additives, for example for coatings, paper and paperboard, and polymers (such as 21 CFR 175.300, 176.170 and 177.2800). The suitability of a specific grade for food contact must be confirmed with the corresponding documentation.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS OF Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

PVC and plastics processing: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is an internal and external lubricant for rigid PVC pipes, profiles and sheets, a slip additive in polyethylene, and a dispersing agent in colour masterbatches.
Rubber: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is used as a processing aid and internal release agent that improves filler dispersion and helps demoulding.
Coatings: in solvent-borne paints, heat-activated Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) and HCO-based thixotropes provide anti-sag and anti-settling properties, in powder coatings Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is used as a flow and dispersing additive.
Inks and paper: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) serves as a slip agent and dispersant in printing inks and carbon papers, and in paper coatings for water resistance.
Adhesives and sealants: in hot-melt adhesives and sealants Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) controls flow, sag and open time and helps disperse fillers.
Metalworking and other lubricants: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is used in drawing lubricants and as a lubricant for metal powders and ceramics.
Polishes and candles: in shoe, furniture and car polishes, Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) adds hardness, gloss and water resistance, in candle wax blends it increases hardness and raises the melting point.
Chemical raw material: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is the starting material for 12-hydroxystearic acid, metal 12-hydroxystearates and ethoxylated hydrogenated castor oils.

WHICH PROBLEMS DOES HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) SOLVE?

- Grease is too soft or loses structure at high temperature → Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) gives lithium or calcium 12-hydroxystearate thickeners with higher dropping points.
- Lipstick or deodorant stick softens, bends or sweats in summer → Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) increases melting point and hardness.
- Paint sags on vertical surfaces or pigments settle → heat-activated Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) builds thixotropic structure.
- PVC melt sticks to metal or has poor flow → Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) acts as a lubricant.
- Pigment dispersion in a masterbatch is poor → Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) improves wetting and dispersion.
- Drug release from a tablet is too fast → Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) forms a hydrophobic matrix that slows release.
- A wax from renewable raw materials is needed → Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is plant-based and biodegradable.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN USING Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

- Activation temperature: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) must be heated to the correct temperature in the formulation, too low gives poor structure, too high (full dissolution followed by slow cooling) can give seeding and grainy texture, especially in paints.
- Cooling: control the cooling rate, fast cooling gives finer crystals and smoother products.
- Polarity: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is more compatible with polar oils and esters than with pure paraffinic systems, very non-polar oils may need co-structurants.
- Particle size: use powder or micronised grades when quick melting or dispersion is required, flakes are suitable when the product is melted completely.
- Dust: fine powders can form combustible dust clouds, avoid dust accumulation and ignition sources.
- Grade selection: pharmaceutical (Ph. Eur./USP-NF), cosmetic and technical grades differ in specifications and documentation.

INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES WITH Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

The compositions below are illustrative laboratory starting mixtures (% w/w), not validated commercial recipes. Each totals 100 % on the stated basis, confirm ingredient grades and optimise processing, stability and performance.

1. ANTIPERSPIRANT OR DEODORANT STICK
Melt a volatile or emollient oil phase (for example a cyclic silicone substitute or light ester) with stearyl alcohol (about 15–20 %) and Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) at about 2–6 %. Heat to about 80–85 °C until clear, disperse the active powder, cool to just above the solidification temperature and pour into containers. Increase Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) for higher hardness and heat stability.

ILLUSTRATIVE INITIAL COMPONENTS (% W/W)
Light ester or suitable emollient oil: 58 %
Stearyl alcohol: 18 %
Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO): 4 %
Antiperspirant active powder: 20 %
Total: 100 %
Select the active and its level for the intended product and applicable requirements, this composition illustrates the antiperspirant route. Verify complete wax melting rather than relying on temperature alone.

2. LIP BALM WITH IMPROVED HEAT STABILITY
Combine vegetable butters and oils with beeswax or candelilla wax and add Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) at about 3–8 %. Melt at about 85–90 °C, mix until homogeneous, cool slightly and pour. Check hardness, pay-off and sweating at 40 °C.

ILLUSTRATIVE INITIAL COMPONENTS (% W/W)
Vegetable oil: 55 %
Vegetable butter: 25 %
Beeswax or candelilla wax: 15 %
Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO): 5 %
Total: 100 %

3. LITHIUM 12-HYDROXYSTEARATE GREASE
Disperse Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) (or 12-HSA) in part of the base oil, add lithium hydroxide solution, and saponify while heating, dehydrate, heat to the top temperature recommended for the process (above the soap phase transition), then add the remaining base oil and cool with controlled rate. Mill or homogenise and adjust consistency (NLGI grade) with base oil. A thickener content of about 6–12 % is a common starting range.

ILLUSTRATIVE INITIAL REACTION CHARGE (% W/W)
Base oil: 80.80 %
Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO): 10.00 %
Lithium hydroxide monohydrate: 1.34 %
Water for the hydroxide solution: 7.86 %
Total: 100.00 %
The hydroxide amount is an approximate stoichiometric illustration based on the main triglyceride, not a confirmed dose for every HCO grade. Calculate it from actual analytical values. Water is removed during processing, so this initial charge is not the final grease composition, confirm the final soap content and NLGI grade.

These are only starting points. Each formulation with Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) must be optimised for the actual raw materials, equipment and performance targets.

ALTERNATIVES TO Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

12-Hydroxystearic acid (12-HSA): used instead of Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) in grease manufacture when glycerol-free soaps are needed, also a gelling agent for oils.
Hydrogenated soybean, palm or rapeseed oil: cheaper hard fats, but lower melting point and no hydroxyl functionality.
Carnauba and candelilla wax: natural waxes for sticks and polishes with high gloss, different crystallisation behaviour.
Beeswax: softer, animal-derived wax for cosmetics.
Paraffin and microcrystalline wax: petroleum-based waxes with low polarity.
Polyethylene waxes and amide waxes (for example ethylene bis-stearamide): lubricants and slip agents for plastics with higher melting points.
HCO-based and polyamide organic thixotropes, fumed silica and organoclays: rheology additives for paints and sealants.

HOW DOES HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?
 
Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is produced by adding hydrogen to the double bonds of castor oil. Castor oil consists mainly of triglycerides of ricinoleic acid, an eighteen-carbon fatty acid with a cis double bond and a hydroxyl group on carbon 12. Hydrogenation saturates the double bond but leaves the hydroxyl group in place, so the product is composed mainly of glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate. This combination of straight saturated chains and mid-chain hydroxyl groups turns a liquid oil into a hard, high-melting wax and explains nearly all of its functions.
 
From liquid oil to hard wax: In castor oil, the cis double bond puts a kink in each chain and prevents close packing, so the oil stays liquid. After hydrogenation, the chains become straight and can line up side by side. At the same time, the hydroxyl groups at carbon 12 of neighbouring chains form hydrogen bonds with each other. Dense chain packing combined with this extra hydrogen-bond network gives castor wax a melting range far above that of ordinary hydrogenated vegetable fats, along with hardness and low solubility in many solvents.
 
Fibrous crystal networks: When HCO is dissolved or melted in a liquid and then cooled under suitable conditions, the hydroxyl groups guide crystal growth in a preferred direction through rows of hydrogen bonds. Instead of forming compact grains, the wax tends to grow as long, thin fibres or needles. These fibres touch and entangle to form a three-dimensional network that holds the surrounding liquid in place, much like a fine sponge. This network structure is the basis of its role as a rheology modifier and structurant.
 
Thixotropy in coatings, sealants and adhesives: In solvent-based paints, sealants and adhesives, castor wax is dispersed and then activated by controlled heat and shear. During activation, the particles swell and partly dissolve, then reorganise into a fibrous, hydrogen-bonded network. At rest, this network gives high viscosity and sag resistance, preventing paint from running on vertical surfaces and keeping pigments suspended. Under shear, such as brushing, spraying or extrusion, the weak bonds break and viscosity falls; when shear stops, the network gradually re-forms. If the temperature during activation is too low, the network does not develop fully; if it is too high, the wax dissolves completely and may recrystallise as coarse seeds, leading to grit and loss of thickening.
 
Suspending power in liquid detergents: In structured liquid laundry detergents and other surfactant systems, HCO is melted into the formulation and recrystallised into a thread-like network within the continuous phase. Because this network has a yield stress, it can suspend particles, capsules and beads without settling, while the product still pours easily when the bottle is tilted. Hydrogenated castor oil acts here as an external structurant that works independently of the micellar structure of the surfactants.
 
Stick and gel formation in cosmetics: In lipsticks, balms and antiperspirant sticks, castor wax crystallises within the oil phase and builds a solid framework that gives firmness, shape stability and a higher melting point. In oleogels, the hydrogen-bonded crystal network immobilises liquid oils, converting them into soft solids without relying on saturated fats.
 
Lubrication and release in plastics: In PVC and other polymers, molten HCO acts as a lubricant. The polar hydroxyl groups interact with the polymer, while the long hydrocarbon chains reduce internal friction between chains and between the melt and metal surfaces of processing equipment. As the material cools, part of the wax can migrate to the surface and act as a release agent.
 
Basis for derivatives: Hydrolysis or saponification of the triglyceride releases 12-hydroxystearic acid and glycerol. The free acid and its metal soaps, especially lithium 12-hydroxystearate, keep the same hydrogen-bonding hydroxyl group and form fibrous soap networks that thicken lubricating greases.
 
Behaviour in digestion: Lipases hydrolyse glyceryl tri-12-hydroxystearate into glycerol and 12-hydroxystearic acid. Because the wax melts well above body temperature and crystallises strongly, it is digested more slowly and less completely than ordinary liquid oils.
 
Network strength, viscosity build and stability depend on concentration, solvent or carrier polarity, activation temperature, shear history, cooling rate and the other ingredients present. Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) dosage and process conditions should therefore be confirmed through laboratory trials.

QUALITY CONTROL AND PURCHASING CRITERIA FOR Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

- identity: CAS 8001-78-3, EC 232-292-2, INCI Hydrogenated Castor Oil
- form: flakes, powder or micronised powder, particle size where relevant
- melting point
- hydroxyl value (indicates the content of hydroxylated chains)
- iodine value (indicates completeness of hydrogenation)
- acid value and saponification value
- colour (Gardner or Lovibond)
- residual nickel and heavy metals, especially for cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades
- pharmacopoeia compliance (Ph. Eur., USP-NF) where required
- documents: COA, TDS, SDS, specification, origin and, if needed, sustainability documentation for the castor supply chain

Grade specifications and certificates for Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) are available on request from Ataman Kimya.

STORAGE AND HANDLING OF Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

Store Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) in closed original packaging in a cool, dry place, away from heat, direct sunlight, moisture and strong oxidising agents, a storage temperature below about 40 °C prevents softening and caking of flakes and powder. Keep away from ignition sources. Avoid dust formation when handling powders and provide good ventilation during melting. Do not overheat the melt for long periods, because this can darken the product. The hydrogenated vegetable wax is very stable, the shelf life of the supplied grade is available on request from Ataman Kimya.

SAFETY OF Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

Castor wax is generally not classified as hazardous under the EU CLP Regulation and is not regulated as dangerous goods for transport. It has low toxicity and is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food-contact materials. As with other powders and waxes, the main practical risks are dust and hot melt.
Wear safety glasses and gloves, and heat-resistant gloves when handling molten material. Avoid inhaling dust from flakes or powders.
First aid: after inhalation of dust, move to fresh air, after skin contact, wash with soap and water (for burns from molten material, cool immediately with water and seek medical advice), after eye contact, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists, after swallowing, rinse the mouth and drink water.
Fire: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is a combustible solid with a high flash point. Use water spray, foam, dry powder or carbon dioxide. Fine dust can form explosive mixtures with air.
Spills: sweep up mechanically, avoiding dust, molten spills should be allowed to solidify before collection.
Environment: Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is of vegetable origin and biodegradable, do not release large quantities into drains.
The SDS of the supplied Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) grade is available on request from Ataman Kimya.

BUYING Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

Hardened castor oil is supplied as flakes or powder, usually in multi-layer paper bags or PP woven bags with PE liner, and in big bags for large users. When requesting Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), please indicate the application, the required form (flakes, powder or micronised), the grade (technical, cosmetic or pharmaceutical), the quantity and the documents required. Packaging options and lead times are available on request from Ataman Kimya.

SUPPLY OF Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) FROM ATAMAN KIMYA

Ataman Kimya supplies Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) for grease, plastics, rubber, coatings, adhesives, cosmetic and pharmaceutical customers. Ataman Kimya provides technical data, SDS and COA documents, helps customers choose between Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), 12-hydroxystearic acid and other castor derivatives, and supports logistics and supply planning. For prices and technical support, please contact Ataman Kimya.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO)

IS HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) THE SAME AS CASTOR WAX?
Yes. Castor wax and hardened castor oil are common names for Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO).

IS HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) THE SAME AS PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL?
No. PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil is an ethoxylated, water-soluble solubiliser made from HCO. Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) itself is a water-insoluble wax.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) AND 12-HYDROXYSTEARIC ACID?
The hydrogenated vegetable wax is the triglyceride, 12-hydroxystearic acid is the free fatty acid obtained from it by hydrolysis. Both are used in greases, but 12-HSA gives glycerol-free soaps.

DOES HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) DISSOLVE IN OILS?
Only on heating. At room temperature Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) is practically insoluble, when heated in oil it melts or dissolves and forms a crystalline network on cooling.

IS HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) SAFE FOR COSMETICS?
Yes. Castor wax is widely used in lipsticks, balms, sticks and creams and is generally not classified as hazardous.

DOES HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) CONTAIN RICIN?
No. Ricin is a water-soluble protein that stays in the seed cake and does not pass into refined castor oil or its hydrogenated product.

WHICH FORM SHOULD I BUY, FLAKES OR POWDER?
Flakes are suitable when the product is fully melted, powder or micronised grades dissolve and disperse faster and are preferred in paints, powder coatings and cold dispersion steps.

WHAT MELTING POINT DOES HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) HAVE?
Typically about 83–88 °C, depending on the grade.

HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO) – TECHNICAL SUMMARY

PRODUCT NAME: HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL (HCO)
Other names: Castor Wax, Hardened Castor Oil, Castor Oil Hydrogenated, Glyceryl Tri(12-hydroxystearate)
CAS No: 8001-78-3
EC No: 232-292-2
INCI name: Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Main component: Glyceryl tri(12-hydroxystearate), C57H110O9, approx. 939.5 g/mol
Appearance: White to cream, hard, brittle flakes or powder
Melting point: approx. 83–88 °C
Hydroxyl value: approx. 155–165 mg KOH/g
Iodine value: max. approx. 3–5 g I2/100 g
Acid value: max. approx. 3–5 mg KOH/g
Saponification value: approx. 176–190 mg KOH/g
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water, dissolves in hot oils and solvents
Main uses: Lithium and calcium greases, PVC and rubber lubricant, coatings and ink additive, hot-melts and sealants, cosmetic sticks and creams, pharmaceutical matrices and lubricants
Hazard classification: Generally not classified as hazardous (CLP)
Storage: Cool, dry, closed packaging, below approx. 40 °C

Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO) can be sourced from ATAMAN KİMYA. For further information and supply inquiries about Hydrogenated Castor Oil (HCO), please contact ATAMAN KİMYA.