Abstract: Hydrogenated vegetable oil exhibiting superior thermal stability and containing reduced levels of saturates and trans fatty acids are produced using an activated hydrogenation catalyst and/or an improved hydrogenation process incorporating high shear. The use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into the hydrogenation process as a reactor device is shown to be capable of enabling reactions that would normally not be feasible under a given set of reaction pressure and temperature conditions. For example, the hydrogenation process described herein enables a reduction of hydrogenation time, and operation at lower temperatures than current processes. The resulting hydrogenated vegetable oil is particularly useful in frying, confectionery baking, and other applications where a product with a low trans fat content or higher thermal stability is desirable. The hydrogenated oil produced may comprise less than 10 weight % of trans fatty acids with less than 5 weight % of linolenic acid (C18:3).

Abstract: Waxes prepared from hydrogenated plant oils, such as castor, palm, and soybean, are used to prepare water based emulsions. The inventive waxes, obtained from naturally derived, renewable resources, were emulsified under anionic, cationic and nonionic conditions, producing emulsions having a solids content up to about 45% solids. When used to coat fibrous cellulosic articles, such as paperboard, the emulsions' performance was similar to emulsions containing petroleum-derived waxes. The inventive waxes have a low iodine value (between 2-5), and melting points between approximately 120-200 degrees F. (Mettler Drop Point). These waxes comprise a triglyceride whose fatty acids are predominantly stearic acid or ricinoleic acid.

Abstract: Waxes prepared from hydrogenated plant oils, such as palm and soybean, are used as substitutes for petroleum derived waxes in hot-melt adhesive compositions. Unlike petroleum-derived or synthetic waxes, adhesive compositions comprising these waxes, which are obtained from naturally derived, renewable resources, achieve adhesion performance similar to conventional adhesives containing petroleum-derived waxes. The inventive waxes have a low iodine value (between 2-5), and melting points between approximately 120-165 degrees F. (Mettler Drop Point). These waxes comprise a triglyceride whose fatty acids are predominantly stearic acid (C18). The naturally derived waxes are used as an alternative to petroleum and synthetically derived waxes in the manufacture of adhesives used to bond paper, wood, glass, plastic and metal in a variety of manufacturing operations.

Abstract: Waxes prepared from hydrogenated plant oils, such as palm and soybean, are used to render cellulosic materials resistant to water. Unlike cellulosic materials rendered water resistant with waxes obtained using petroleum-derived or synthetic waxes, the water resistant cellulosic materials prepared using this composition are recyclable using conventional paper recycling methods; the composition is dispersible in warm water solutions. Such water resistant materials are characterized by enhanced moisture barrier properties. The compositions have a low iodine value (between 2-5), and melting points between approximately 120-165 degrees F. (Mettler Drop Point). The wax comprises a triglyceride whose fatty acids are predominantly stearic acid (C18). The composition is used as an additive in the manufacture of wax coated boxes and adhesive compounds used in boxboard packaging and manufacturing operations.