Oleic Acid Supplier South Africa

What Is Oleic Acid?

Oleic acid is a C18 monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid (C18:1, n-9) found naturally in olive oil, sunflower oil, tallow, and many other plant and animal fats. It is liquid at room temperature, unlike saturated C18 stearic acid, due to its single cis double bond. Technical-grade oleic acid is typically derived from tallow or vegetable oil splitting and contains a mixture of C18:1 (oleic) as the dominant component alongside smaller proportions of C18:0 (stearic), C16:0 (palmitic), and other fatty acids.

Cleaning and Industrial Applications

In soap manufacturing, oleic acid is used as a co-fatty acid alongside lauric-acid-rich coconut fatty acid to soften the soap bar and improve skin conditioning properties. In liquid soap and hard surface cleaner formulations, oleic acid improves the skin-feel of rinsed surfaces. In industrial applications, oleic acid and its salts (oleates) function as corrosion inhibitors, metalworking lubricants, and flotation agents in mineral processing. It is also used in textile softeners, rust-prevention oils, and anti-caking agents for fertilisers.

Leveringsdetails

Terracore Chemicals supplies technical and cosmetic-grade oleic acid in drums and IBCs. Technical grades are suitable for soap, lubricant, and industrial cleaning applications; cosmetic grades meet tighter colour and odour specifications for personal care use.