Turkey Red Oil (Sulphated Castor Oil)
Turkey Red Oil, also known as Sulphated Castor Oil, is a water-soluble derivative of castor oil produced through a sulfonation process using concentrated sulfuric acid. It results in a highly viscous, amber-colored liquid that acts as an excellent emulsifier, wetting agent, and dispersing agent. Unlike natural castor oil, it disperses easily in water, making it ideal for applications in textiles, cosmetics, agriculture, and industrial formulations. Its biodegradable and non-toxic nature also makes it eco-friendly and suitable for sensitive formulations.
Primary Uses
Textile Industry:
Used as a wetting agent in dyeing and finishing processes to improve penetration of dyes and chemicals into fibers.
Functions as an emulsifier in textile softeners and finishes.
Assists in leveling dye uptake and improving the uniformity of coloration.
Cosmetics & Personal Care Industry:
Used in bath oils, hair conditioners, and skin creams for its emulsifying, moisturizing, and conditioning properties.
Serves as a non-irritating surfactant and natural alternative in organic personal care products.
Agriculture Industry:
Functions as a spreader, sticker, and emulsifier in pesticide and herbicide formulations to ensure even application and improved efficacy.
Used in foliar spray formulations for better absorption of nutrients and chemicals.
Leather Industry:
Acts as a fatliquor or softening agent in leather processing to enhance flexibility and water resistance.
Used during tanning to impart a smooth, pliable texture to finished leather.
Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids:
Used in metal cutting and machining operations as a lubricant and coolant emulsifier.
Added to rust-preventive oils for stability and emulsifying power.
Secondary Uses
Paints and Coatings:
Used as an emulsifier or dispersing agent in water-based paints and coatings.
Helps stabilize pigment dispersion and enhances surface wetting.
Soaps and Detergents:
Incorporated as a wetting and dispersing agent in liquid soaps, detergents, and cleansers.
Adds mild conditioning properties to surfactant blends.
Paper Industry:
Employed as a fiber lubricant and softener in specialty paper production.
Rubber & Plastic Processing:
Used as an emulsifier in processing oils for rubber compounding.
Functions as an anti-static and dispersing agent in plasticizers.
Environmental Applications:
Biodegradable oil used in bioremediation formulations and eco-friendly degreasers.
Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sulphated hydroxy fatty acid glyceride (from Ricinus communis oil)
Common/Trade Name: Turkey Red Oil, Sulphated Castor Oil
CAS Number: 8002-33-3
HS Code: 3402.90.90
Synonyms: Sulfonated castor oil, Sulfated castor oil, TRO
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: Viscous liquid
Color & Odor: Amber to reddish-brown; mild oily odor
Solubility: Completely soluble in water
pH (1% solution): ~6.0–8.0 (depends on grade)
Viscosity: High
Acid Value: Typically <10
Sulphated Oil Content: 70–80% depending on grade
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under typical conditions
Toxicity: Non-toxic and skin-friendly; may cause mild irritation in concentrated form
Exposure Limits: No established limits; general good hygiene practices apply
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and moisture
Container Type: HDPE drums, IBC tanks, or bulk containers
Shelf Life: 12–24 months under proper storage
Handling Precautions: Avoid contamination with acids or oxidizers; prevent freezing
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Meets technical and cosmetic-grade requirements depending on the intended application
Compliant with REACH, TSCA, and other international chemical inventories
Can be formulated in natural and organic-certified cosmetic products
Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
PPE Required: Gloves and eye protection for bulk handling
Handling Guidelines: Use with adequate ventilation; clean spills with absorbent material
Storage Measures: Keep sealed and protected from contamination
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Not hazardous in normal use; move to fresh air if irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water; seek medical attention if irritation persists
Ingestion: Non-toxic in small quantities; seek medical advice for large ingestion
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Combustible at high temperatures
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and sulfur oxides