HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL

Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a hard, brittle, waxy solid derived from the hydrogenation of castor oil. 
The hydrogenation process saturates the ricinoleic acid present in castor oil, converting it into triglycerides of 12-hydroxystearic acid. 
The result is a non-toxic, non-reactive, and water-insoluble material that has good lubrication properties and compatibility with a wide range of chemical substances.

CAS Number:
8001-78-3

Synonyms:
Castor Wax,Castorwax,Fully Hydrogenated Castor Oil,Hydrogenated Ricinus Communis Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Bean Oil,Triglyceride of 12-Hydroxystearic Acid

Introduction

Hydrogenated castor oil, also known as castor wax, is a derivative of castor oil that has undergone a hydrogenation process to convert its unsaturated fatty acids into saturated forms. 
This transformation results in a hard, brittle, and wax-like substance with a high melting point. 
Castor oil itself is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant and is unique due to its high content of ricinoleic acid. 
Hydrogenated castor oil has gained considerable attention across multiple industries due to its stability, versatility, and environmentally friendly origin.

Historically, castor oil has been used since antiquity for medicinal, industrial, and cosmetic purposes. The hydrogenation of castor oil was developed to overcome limitations associated with the fluid nature and oxidative instability of the raw oil. 
This process extends the oil's shelf life, enhances its physical characteristics, and widens its range of applications.

Chemical Structure and Composition
The hydrogenation of castor oil involves the addition of hydrogen to the double bonds in ricinoleic acid molecules, converting them into saturated 12-hydroxystearic acid. 
This reaction alters the chemical structure and leads to the formation of a more stable, saturated compound.
Chemical formula: C18H36O3 (for 12-hydroxystearic acid)
Structure: Saturated carbon chain with a hydroxyl group on the 12th carbon
The primary component of hydrogenated castor oil is triglyceride composed of 12-hydroxystearic acid. 
This chemical transformation enhances thermal and oxidative stability, making the material suitable for high-performance applications.

Production Process
Hydrogenated castor oil is produced through a multi-step process:
Extraction: Castor oil is extracted from castor seeds via pressing or solvent extraction.
Refining: Crude castor oil undergoes refining to remove impurities.
Hydrogenation:
Performed in a pressure reactor.
Nickel-based catalysts are commonly used.
Hydrogen gas is introduced under high pressure and temperature.
Double bonds in ricinoleic acid are saturated to form 12-hydroxystearic acid.
Filtration and Purification: Catalyst residues are removed, and the product is purified.
Quality control is critical to ensure consistency in the wax's melting point, acid value, and hydroxyl value.

Physical and Chemical Properties
Appearance: White to pale yellow, hard, waxy solid
Melting Point: ~80–86°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in hot alcohols and certain organic solvents
Density: ~1.0 g/cm3
Stability: Excellent oxidative and thermal stability
pH: Neutral when dispersed
These properties make hydrogenated castor oil suitable for applications where durability, rigidity, and water resistance are essential.

Grades and Forms
Hydrogenated castor oil is available in different grades and physical forms to meet specific application needs:
Technical Grade: Used in lubricants, greases, and industrial products
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Grade: Meets stricter purity requirements
Forms:
Flakes: Common in cosmetic formulations
Powder: Used for ease of blending in dry formulations
Beads: Offer dust-free handling
Emulsions: Used in creams and lotions

Applications in Cosmetics and Personal Care
Hydrogenated castor oil is widely used in cosmetics due to its emollient properties and ability to stabilize formulations. 
It contributes to the texture and consistency of:
Lipsticks and lip balms
Lotions and creams
Hair pomades and waxes
Deodorants and antiperspirants
Its high melting point adds structure, while its hydrophobic nature enhances water resistance. Moreover, it offers a smooth, non-greasy finish desirable in personal care products.

Pharmaceutical Applications
In pharmaceuticals, hydrogenated castor oil is utilized primarily as an excipient:
Tablet formulations: Functions as a lubricant and binder
Ointments and creams: Acts as a base with occlusive properties
Controlled-release systems: Its hydrophobic nature supports slow drug release
Hydrogenated castor oil is non-toxic, biocompatible, and has GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, making it suitable for oral and topical formulations.

Industrial Applications
Hydrogenated castor oil serves various functions in industrial sectors:
Lubricants: Thickening agent in greases
Paints and coatings: Enhances hardness and resistance
Polymers and plastics: Acts as an internal lubricant and mold-release agent
Textile finishes: Provides water resistance and softness
Its stability at high temperatures makes it ideal for demanding mechanical and chemical environments.

Food Industry Applications
Hydrogenated castor oil is approved for use in the food industry in small quantities:
Food-grade additive: Used as a mold-release agent in confectionery
Emulsifier and stabilizer: In flavorings and coatings
Regulations by the FDA and EFSA ensure its safe use in food products. It is included under E number E905 (microcrystalline wax derivatives).

Textile and Paper Industries
In textiles, hydrogenated castor oil is used for:
Anti-static treatments
Softening agents
Lubricants for fiber processing
In the paper industry, it functions as a coating and sizing agent, improving printability, smoothness, and resistance to water and oils.

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL

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