HCO (chemical name: Hydrogenated Castor Oil), also known as castor wax, is a very common oleochemical product that has many industrial and manufacturing applications. What is Hydrogenated Castor Oil? HCO is a hard, wax-like substance extracted from castor oil beans. There is also a petroleum-based formula of Hydrogenated Caster Oil known as PEG-40. The Hydrogenated Castor Oil chemical formula of this material is C57H110O9(CH2CH2O)n. Hydrogenation refers to a chemical process where an unsaturated compound is combined with hydrogen to produce saturation. In the case of HCO, this increases the oil’s stability and raises its melting point, transforming it into a solid at room temperature.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil is insoluble in water and most types of organic solvents. This makes HCO extremely valuable in the manufacturing of lubricants and industrial greases. However, HCO is soluble in hot solvents. It also has the ability to resist water while retaining its polarity, lubricity and surface wetting capabilities. Hydrogenated Castor Oil is also an extremely safe, non-toxic material that is suitable for use in personal care products and soaps. To learn more about HCO safety, please review the Hydrogenated Castor Oil SDS (Safety Data Sheet).
Uses & Applications
HCO is an extremely versatile oleochemical that has a number of industrial and manufacturing applications:
CASE: Because of its excellent resistance to moisture, Hydrogenated Castor Oil works extremely well as a viscosity modifier, and it also provides significant improvement in grease and oil resistance.
Plastics: Hydrogenated Castor Oil performs the role of a lubricant and release agent for PVC and improves processing, dispersion and grease resistance of sheeted polyethylene. It is also useful in the preparation of various polyurethane coating formulas.
Personal Care: There are multiple Hydrogenated Castor Oil uses in the manufacturing of personal care products, particularly as an emollient and thickening agent in ointments and deodorants, as well as hair care products and certain cosmetics.
Waxes: Hydrogenated Caster Oil works as a binding agent in synthetic and petroleum waxes, as it makes the wax harder and more resistant to crumbling.
Soaps and Detergents: Hydrogenated Castor Oil is sometimes used as an emulsifying agent in liquid soaps and detergents to enhance the stability of the liquid formula.
Textiles: HCO makes an effective processing agent in various textile manufacturing applications.
Lubricants and Greases: HCO is used as a thickening agent in lithium grease and lithium complex grease, as well as multipurpose greases and metal-drawing lubricants.