EPOXIDIZED LINSEED OIL

Chemical properties

The properties of epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) and epoxidized soya bean oil (ESBO) are provided below. No data on epoxidized tall oil (ETP) could be found. These products are similar in composition and are based on naturally occurring mixtures of triglycerides, containing variable amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (e.g., linoleic, oleic, and linolenic acids).

The Uses of EPOXIDIZED LINSEED OIL

The epoxidized glycerides are primarily reactive diluents and find use in coatings of food cans. They are recommended for PVC homo- and copolymer stabilization and plasticization for rigid, flexible, extruded, calendered, and molded compounds. Applications are found in intravenous tubing, blood bags, food wrap film, cap liners and seals, meat trays, upholstery, pipe, and construction materials.

Production Methods

These epoxidized oils are made by epoxidizing the unsaturated bonds of unsaturated carboxylic acid–glycerin esters (triglycerides) with peracids (peracetic acid or its equivalent, hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid). Because the molecular weights of these esters approach 900 before epoxidation and because the unsaturated esters are diluted with inert palmitates and stearates, there are sufficient epoxy groups to bind them into polymers, but too few to constitute much of a handling hazard even though there may be a di- or triepoxide content.

Carcinogenicity

In a study conducted to current testing guidelines, no evidence of carcinogenic response was observed in rats exposed to dietary concentrations up to 2.5% ESBO. Older studies also showed a lack of a carcinogenic effect in orally exposed rats. Other studies using dermal, intraperitoneal, or unspecified exposure routes were inadequate or inconclusive regarding the carcinogenic potential of ESBO .