Fatty alcohol from palm oil is a compound derived from reduction of fatty acids in palm oil. Due to its versatility, the fatty alcohol is widely used for production of various industrial products. Following is its detailed explanation:
- Production Process: Fatty alcohol from palm oil is usually produced through hydrogenation process or reduction process of fatty acids from palm oil or palm kernel oil. The fatty acids is then processed into fatty alcohol through chemical catalysts or enzymes.
- Types of Fatty Alcohol: Fatty alcohol from palm oil can be differentiated based on the length of its carbon chain. The types of fatty alcohol often produced from palm oil include lauryl alcohol (C12), cetyl alcohol (C16), and stearyl alcohol (C18).
- Usage in Industries:
- Cosmetics and Skin Care: Fatty alcohol is often used to make products of cosmetics and skin care as emulsifier, moisturizer, and thickener. It helps create soft texture and maintain moisture in the skin.
- Detergents and Cleaners: Fatty alcohol is also used in cleaning products, such as soaps and detergents, in which it functions as surfactant to help remove dirt and oil from the surface.
- Lubricants and industrial chemicals: In addition, the fatty alcohol from palm oil is used as basic material in lubricants, industrial chemicals, and additive in plastics.
- Advantages: The palm oil-based fatty alcohol has advantages in terms of availability of renewable raw material, as compared to the fatty alcohol based on fossil fuels. In addition, it is more ecofriendly as it is derived from renewable source.
Having flexible nature and wide range of applications, the fatty alcohol from palm oil plays an important role in various industrial sectors.