Fractionated fatty acids
Fractioned fatty acids (palmitic acid, oleic acid, lauric acid) are obtained from high pressure hydrolysis and the temperature of animal fats and vegetable oils using fractionation, obtaining light and heavy fractions, of both clean and soapy appearance.
This process results in distilled fatty acids such as palmitic acid at 98%, oleic acid at 70%, stearic acid at 90%, and lauric acid. They have specific characteristics which make them highly appreciated for many formulations of different sectors such as detergent emulsifiers, plasticisers, modified oils, cork, fur/leather, veneers…
In Mateos S.L. we obtain palmitic acid, 98%; stearic acid, 90%, and oleic acid, 70% from vegetable raw materials; palm oil, coconut oil, rapeseed oil and also raw animal materials: suet, lard.
Supply formats for fractionated fatty acids
- Liquid – Tank up to 24TM
- Liquid – 1,000Kg IBC
- Flexi tanks for export
We also provide customized mixes of fatty acids to adjust the melting point or properties required.
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Some applications of fractionated fatty acids
TREATMENT FOR SURFACES – WAXES
The fatty acids can be melted and used for surface treatment of machine parts and materials. This prevents oxidation, caking, adhesions or absorbing moisture. They are applied in some formulations to reduce the melting point of the mixture and facilitate its processing.
They are also used in combination with waxes and resins to improve the protective properties of raw materials and final products. The “fat” part of the distilled fatty acid repels water and produces an insulating layer on the product.
SOAP INDUSTRY
Their most frequent application is for the formulation of gels, soaps and other cleaning products due to their low melting point and soapy feel. The distilled fatty acids can be saponified, sulphonated or sulphated by our customers to obtain other products used in detergents and cosmetics.
They also act as an emulsifier of the mixture, providing consistency as they are relatively viscous at room temperature.
Fatty acids can also modify the properties of surface tension and are used in detergents.
SOAP INDUSTRY
Their most frequent application is for the formulation of gels, soaps and other cleaning products due to their low melting point and soapy feel. The distilled fatty acids can be saponified, sulphonated or sulphated by our customers to obtain other products used in detergents and cosmetics.
They also act as an emulsifier of the mixture, providing consistency as they are relatively viscous at room temperature.
Fatty acids can also modify the properties of surface tension and are used in detergents.
FORMULATION OF PASTES – EMULSIFIER
We supply distilled fatty acids for the formulation of pastes as an emulsifier. These pastes are used for polishing, insulation or surface coating.
- Tallow fatty acids will give the paste a more consistent touch due to their having a composition of C18 fatty acids (stearic, oleic and linolenic) of approximately 70%.
- Palm-based fatty acids are richer in C16 fatty acids (palmitic), at around 45%. Their melting point and viscosity is lower.
- Coconut fatty acids contain about 45% of C12 short chain fatty acids (lauric acid) with a melting point of 25ºC.
ADDITIVE IN PLASTIC – EXTRUDERS
To produce plastics that do not require high manufacturing temperatures, fatty acids can be used as an additive. They increase fluidity and lubrication in extruders and moulds. Mateos SL also produces other additives for plastic such as stearic acid and different stearates.
Dosing lubricants and additives in manufacturing processes decrease the energy cost on engines and heating resistances; this increases productivity and results in improvements in the final properties of the product.
ADDITIVE IN PLASTIC – EXTRUDERS
To produce plastics that do not require high manufacturing temperatures, fatty acids can be used as an additive. They increase fluidity and lubrication in extruders and moulds. Mateos SL also produces other additives for plastic such as stearic acid and different stearates.
Dosing lubricants and additives in manufacturing processes decrease the energy cost on engines and heating resistances; this increases productivity and results in improvements in the final properties of the product.
PHYTOSANITARY PRODUCTS – REPELLENT
In some formulations it is used as a repellent for rodents and other animals that can affect crops and plants.
The fatty acids from tallow, with a higher content of stearic acid are produced in nature by the decomposition or breakdown of animal fats, so these animals associate this with death and putrefaction and stay away.
It also has an application due to its water repellent properties, preventing drops of water from adhering to the leaves of plants, burning when the sun shines.