Castor Oil & Derivatives
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA) - Bulk Supplier & Exporter
A high-performance fatty acid derivative of castor oil. Used as a gelling, thickening and lubricating agent - especially as the key thickener in lithium and calcium greases.
About 12-HSA
12-Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12-HSA) is made by hydrogenating and then splitting castor oil, isolating the hydroxy fatty acid that gives the molecule its gelling behaviour. It is supplied as off-white flakes with an acid value of 177-181 and a melting point around 75-77 °C.
The hydroxyl group on the C12 position lets 12-HSA form fibrous soap networks with lithium, calcium and aluminium hydroxides. That structure is what gives lithium greases their consistency, mechanical stability and high drop point, which is why 12-HSA remains the dominant grease thickener feedstock worldwide.
Biodyne supplies 12-HSA flake in 25 kg bags and jumbo bags, with a batch Certificate of Analysis. Ask for a sample before committing to a container load.
Applications
Lithium & calcium greases
Reacted with lithium hydroxide to form lithium 12-hydroxystearate, the standard thickener for multipurpose and high-drop-point greases.
Cosmetics & personal care
Used as a gellant and structuring agent in sticks, balms and anhydrous formulations, and as a raw material for hydroxystearate esters.
Coatings & inks
A rheology additive and anti-settling agent that controls flow and prevents pigment sedimentation.
Adhesives & polymers
Acts as a lubricant, release agent and processing aid, and as an intermediate for specialty esters and amides.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-White Flakes |
| Gardner Color | ≤ 3 |
| Acid Value | 177 – 181 |
| Iodine Value | ≤ 3 |
| Hydroxyl Value | 155 – 160 |
| Saponification Value | 175 – 185 |
| Moisture & Volatiles | ≤ 0.25% |
| Melting Point | 75 – 77 °C |
Packaging
- Bags: 25 kg PP Bags or Paper Bags (Palletised / Unpalletised)
- Bulk Packing: Jumbo Bags of 500 kg or 1,000 kg (Palletised)
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (10–30 °C).
- Shelf life: 12–24 months under recommended storage conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 12-HSA used for?
Its largest use is as the thickener feedstock for lithium and calcium lubricating greases. It is also used as a gellant in cosmetics, a rheology additive in coatings, and an intermediate for specialty esters.
How is 12-HSA produced from castor oil?
Castor oil is hydrogenated to saturate the ricinoleic chain, then hydrolysed (split) and purified to isolate 12-hydroxy stearic acid.
What purity and acid value do you supply?
Our standard grade has an acid value of 177-181, iodine value ≤ 3 and hydroxyl value 155-160, verified on a batch Certificate of Analysis.
What is the difference between 12-HSA and Methyl 12-HSA?
Methyl 12-HSA is the methyl ester of the same acid. The ester is a liquid-to-soft solid used as a lubricant additive and emollient, while the free acid is the flake used for grease thickening.
How is 12-HSA packed and shipped?
25 kg PP or paper bags, or 500 kg / 1,000 kg jumbo bags, palletised for export.
Related Products
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Also known as Castor Wax. A high-purity, stabilised derivative of castor oil - a hard, off-white flake with excellent thermal stability used as a thickener, emollient and lubricant.
Methyl 12-HSA
Methyl 12-Hydroxy Stearate (Methyl 12-HSA) - a high-purity castor oil ester used as a lubricant additive, emollient and specialty intermediate for industrial, cosmetic and bio-lubricant formulations. Detailed specifications available on request.
Ricinoleic Acid
The primary fatty acid of castor oil (~90%), obtained by controlled hydrolysis and purification. Used in soaps, surfactants, coatings and as an intermediate for Sebacic Acid, Undecylenic Acid and Nylon 11.
Browse the full castor oil and derivatives catalogue or book a call with our supply team.
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