COA available with every shipment.
Drums, totes, or custom sizing.
Technical Specifications
| Odor | Very faint, fatty, almost neutral |
| Colour | Often specified as Gardner ≤2–3 or Lovibond equivalent |
| Origin | Castor‑oil derivative via hydrogenation → 12‑HSA → methanol esterification |
| Storage | Store in cool, dry conditions (<40 °C) in tightly closed bags or drums; protect from moisture |
| Handling | Low‑hazard organic solid; handle with standard PPE and temperature control |
| Acid value | Usually ≤3–5 mg KOH/g (indicating high esterification and low free 12‑HSA) |
| Appearance | White to off‑white flakes/pastilles or waxy solid; clear, colourless to pale‑yellow liquid above melting point |
| Assay (GC) | Typically ≥98% methyl‑12‑hydroxystearate (balance mainly related C18 esters) |
| Shelf life | Commonly 12–24 months in original, unopened packaging |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, isopropanol, chlorinated solvents, esters and many hydrocarbons at elevated temperature |
| Iodine value | Very low (often ≤5 g I₂/100 g), giving good oxidative stability |
| Chemical name | Methyl 12‑hydroxystearate (methyl 12‑hydroxyoctadecanoate) |
| Compatibility | Compatible with mineral oils, synthetic esters, vegetable oils, many waxes, polymers and resins |
| Hydroxyl value | Typically in the range 145–165 mg KOH/g, reflecting one secondary OH per molecule |
| Saponification value | Generally around 175–190 mg KOH/g, consistent with C18 mono‑ester chemistry |
| Melting point / range | Typically around 52–58 °C (some grades 50–60 °C depending on cut and purity) |
| Density (at 60–70 °C) | Approx. 0.90–0.93 g/cm³ (to be specified per grade) |
| Viscosity (liquid at 70 °C) | Typically in the range 20–60 mPa·s; increases strongly as temperature decreases |
| Water content (Karl Fischer) | Typically ≤0.2–0.3% w/w |
| Refractive index (nD at 60–70 °C) | Approx. 1.445–1.455 (typical for saturated C18 esters) |
12‑Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12‑HSA) – Castor‑Derived Gelling Agent for Grease & Cosmetics
Description
Methyl‑12‑Hydroxystearate is the methyl ester of 12‑hydroxystearic acid, itself obtained by hydrogenation and splitting of castor oil, then esterified with methanol to give a low‑odor, waxy solid or high‑viscosity liquid depending on temperature. The molecule combines a long C18 saturated chain, a secondary hydroxyl group, and an ester function, delivering excellent lubricity, polarity, and controlled crystallinity for structuring and slip in both industrial and cosmetic systems. At CanCastor, Methyl‑12‑Hydroxystearate is produced from high‑purity castor streams with tight control on acid value, ester content, and color to ensure reproducible performance in demanding applications.
Typical Applications
- Lubricants and greases: Used as a biodegradable base oil and co‑thickener in specialty greases and lubricants, where its hydroxyl functionality improves film strength, polarity, and low‑temperature flow compared with fully paraffinic esters.
- Polymers, coatings, and plasticizers: Acts as an internal lubricant and plasticizer in plastics and powder‑coating systems, improving flow, slip, and anti‑blocking while maintaining good mechanical strength and heat stability.
- Waxes, polishes, and personal care: Functions as a structuring wax, slip agent, and emollient in polishes, sticks, balms, and creams, enhancing gloss, payoff, and texture in both industrial and cosmetic products.
Frequently Asked Questions
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