Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO)

Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO) from CanCastor represents a pinnacle in bio-based drying oils, meticulously engineered to elevate the performance of modern paints, coatings, and inks. This high-performance, sustainable solution is specifically designed for formulators and manufacturers who demand rapid drying, exceptional gloss retention, and unparalleled long-term color stability. As a premier castor-based alternative to conventional drying oils, DCO is an ideal choice for resin manufacturers, paint producers, and ink formulators striving for both technical superiority and environmental responsibility.

Unleashing Superior Performance through Advanced Chemistry

CanCastor's DCO is derived from the finest Ricinus communis seeds, undergoing a precise chemical dehydration process that transforms refined castor oil's hydroxyl-rich ricinoleic structure into a highly unsaturated, conjugated system. This sophisticated transformation bestows DCO with semi-drying to fast-drying characteristics that rival or even surpass traditional options like soya or tung oil, while offering superior flexibility and remarkable non-yellowing behavior. This critical advantage makes CanCastor's DCO an indispensable raw material for light-colored and clear coatings, where maintaining pristine aesthetics over time is paramount.

Consistent Quality, Renewable Advantage

At CanCastor, our commitment to quality is unwavering. Every batch of DCO is manufactured under stringent quality controls, meticulously monitored for key parameters such as color, acid value, and viscosity. This rigorous oversight ensures excellent batch-to-batch consistency, simplifying its integration into diverse resin systems including alkyd, epoxy-ester, and polyurethane resin production. Formulators gain access to a renewable, low-VOC-enabling raw material that actively contributes to high gloss, superior flow and leveling, and the creation of durable, resilient films capable of withstanding demanding end-use environments. CanCastor’s Dehydrated Castor Oil supports a future where high performance and sustainability go hand in hand.

Key Applications and Benefits

CanCastor's DCO is a versatile ingredient across a spectrum of industrial applications:

• Paints, Coatings, and Varnishes: A crucial raw material for DCO-based alkyd resins employed in industrial and decorative paints, metal coatings, wood finishes, and baking enamels. It delivers fast drying, excellent hardness, and robust weather resistance. Particularly effective in white and pastel shades, appliance finishes, and architectural trim where low yellowing, strong gloss retention, and long-term color stability are non-negotiable performance requirements.
• Printing Inks and Overprint Varnishes: Enhances offset, gravure, and flexographic ink systems by improving pigment wetting, gloss, flexibility, and rub resistance on a variety of substrates including paper, board, and flexible packaging. Incorporated into clear overprint varnishes and lacquers, it boosts adhesion, scuff resistance, and anti-blocking properties crucial for high-speed printing and packaging applications.
• Industrial Resins and Specialty Systems: Functions as a vital bio-based component in advanced epoxy esters, polyurethane dispersions, and hybrid resin systems. Ideal for coil coatings, can coatings, and protective coatings exposed to harsh chemicals and outdoor weathering. Its unique balance of flexibility, toughness, non-yellowing characteristics, and sustainability also makes it valuable in select plasticizers, sealants, and adhesive formulations.

Specifications Summary: CanCastor's Dehydrated Castor Oil is typically characterized by a low acid value (e.g., max 5.0 mg KOH/g), a high iodine value indicative of high unsaturation (e.g., 140-155 g I2/100g), a specific gravity (0.925-0.935), and a controlled viscosity (e.g., 5-8 stokes @ 25°C), ensuring optimal formulation consistency and performance.