Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO)

Overview

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, enhanced film hardness, and superior water resistance from their raw materials. As a key oleochemical derivative of Ricinus communis (Castor) Seed Oil, DCO distinguishes itself through a proprietary dehydration process that converts the hydroxyl functionality into conjugated double bonds, fundamentally altering its drying mechanism from non-drying to an efficient oxidative drying oil, comparable to tung oil or dehydrated linseed oil but with unique performance attributes.

Our DCO is a testament to CanCastor's commitment to advancing industrial chemistry with sustainable solutions. Its high degree of conjugation (specifically the presence of conjugated dienes) is critical for its efficacy, enabling quick cross-linking and polymerization upon exposure to air, forming robust and durable films. This makes it an invaluable component in the formulation of high-quality alkyd resins, varnishes, and enamels, where fast cure times and exceptional weatherability are paramount. CanCastor's technical expertise ensures that our DCO consistently meets stringent industry standards, empowering our partners to innovate and excel in their respective markets. Explore our full range of innovative solutions in our full catalog.

Key Physical & Chemical Properties

CanCastor's Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO) is characterized by a suite of precise technical specifications that ensure consistent performance and quality across diverse industrial applications. These properties are critical for formulators to achieve desired outcomes in terms of drying time, film hardness, flexibility, and chemical resistance.

• CAS Number: 64147-40-6
• INCI Name: Not typically used for industrial applications; often referenced by CAS or common name.
• Iodine Value (g I₂/100g): 140 – 155 (ASTM D1959) – Indicates the degree of unsaturation, crucial for drying properties.
• Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g): < 10 (ASTM D1957) – Extremely low, signifying effective dehydration.
• Acid Value (mg KOH/g): < 5 (ASTM D1980) – Indicates low free fatty acid content, ensuring formulation stability.
• Saponification Value (mg KOH/g): 180 – 195 (ASTM D1962) – Measures the amount of alkali required to saponify the oil.
• Viscosity @ 25°C (cP): 100 – 200 (ASTM D445) – Affects flow and application properties in coatings and inks.
• Specific Gravity @ 25°C: 0.930 – 0.950 (ASTM D1963) – Density measurement.
• Color (Gardner): 4 Max (ASTM D1544) – Ensures minimal impact on final product coloration.