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DESCRIPTION
Hydrogenated castor oil powder is a form of castor oil that has been chemically modified by hydrogenation, converting the liquid oil into a solid or semi-solid state.
The hydrogenation process involves the addition of hydrogen to the castor oil, which alters its chemical structure and makes it more stable and less prone to oxidation.
Cas Number
8001-78-3
Synonyms
Castor wax,Hydrogenated castor oil, Ricinus communis oil, hydrogenated,Castor oil, hydrogenated,Hydrogenated ricinus communis oil,Castor oil
Hydrogenated castor oil powder (HCO powder) is derived from the hydrogenation of castor oil, a renewable and natural product, to produce a versatile material with various applications across industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and polymers.
The hydrogenation process alters the molecular structure of castor oil, enhancing its stability and performance.
This article explores the chemical composition, production methods, properties, and applications of hydrogenated castor oil powder.
Additionally, we review the environmental and health impacts, as well as technological advancements in its processing.
Through this comprehensive overview, we highlight the future potential and challenges in harnessing HCO powder in diverse sectors.
Hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) is a modification of castor oil obtained through the hydrogenation of ricinoleic acid, the primary fatty acid in castor oil.
The hydrogenation process improves the chemical stability, shelf life, and utility of castor oil.
The creation of hydrogenated castor oil powder takes this further by converting the oil into a fine, easy-to-handle powder form, which enhances its functionality in various applications.
The use of castor oil dates back thousands of years, but hydrogenated castor oil and its powdered form are relatively recent innovations aimed at increasing the material's commercial viability.
Hydrogenated castor oil powder is utilized across multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals for controlled drug delivery, cosmetics for skin care formulations, and industrial applications like coatings and plastics.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Hydrogenated castor oil is primarily composed of saturated fatty acids, with stearic acid being the most prevalent after the hydrogenation process.
Castor oil itself is rich in ricinoleic acid, which contains a hydroxyl group on the 12th carbon of the fatty acid chain, contributing to its unique properties, such as high viscosity and solubility in water.
The hydrogenation process alters this structure by converting the unsaturated bonds into saturated bonds, reducing the reactivity of the oil.
The molecular structure of hydrogenated castor oil differs in its decreased number of unsaturated bonds, which results in a more stable, less reactive compound. When castor oil is hydrogenated, it forms hydrogenated triglycerides, with stearic acid being the predominant fatty acid after the process.
The powder form is achieved through methods like spray drying, which reduces the bulkiness and makes it easier to incorporate into formulations.
Production Methods
The hydrogenation process of castor oil involves the addition of hydrogen (H2) under high temperature and pressure conditions, in the presence of a catalyst such as nickel, palladium, or platinum.
This process converts the double bonds in the fatty acid chains of castor oil into single bonds, making the oil more saturated and stable.
Once hydrogenated, castor oil is often transformed into a powder.
This can be achieved through:
Spray drying: A process where the oil is atomized into fine droplets and dried with hot air to form a powder.
Freeze drying: Involves freezing the oil and then removing the water under vacuum conditions, which can help retain more of the original properties of the oil.
Factors like temperature, pressure, and the hydrogenation catalyst can all influence the final characteristics of the hydrogenated castor oil powder, such as its melting point, solubility, and emulsifying properties.
Properties of Hydrogenated Castor Oil Powder
Physical Properties:
Hydrogenated castor oil powder has unique physical properties, including a fine, free-flowing texture.
Its powder form allows for easier handling and blending into other materials compared to the liquid form of castor oil.
The particle size of HCO powder is typically in the micrometer range, influencing its solubility and dispersibility in various mediums.
Bulk density: The powder has a moderate bulk density, which impacts its packaging, storage, and transportation efficiency.
Solubility: Hydrogenated castor oil powder is generally insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, making it suitable for use in solvent-based systems.
Chemical Properties:
Hydrogenated castor oil powder has high stability, especially in terms of oxidation resistance.
The saturation of the fatty acids makes it less prone to rancidity compared to non-hydrogenated oils.
Thermal Properties:
The hydrogenation process increases the melting point of castor oil, typically around 70–80°C, which makes the powder stable at a wide range of temperatures.
This makes it suitable for use in both hot and cold applications.
Rheological Properties:
As a stabilizer or emulsifier, hydrogenated castor oil powder can alter the viscosity and texture of formulations.
It can help in the formation of smooth emulsions and improve the spreadability of cosmetic creams and lotions.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL POWDER
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product.
