Hydrogenated cottonseed oil as a substitute for palm oil in the production of tin plate and cold reduced sheet steel

Abstract

Work has been reported on the development of a substitute for palm oil, which is used to the extent of about 40 million pounds annually in the production of tin and terne plate, and in the cold reduction process for the manufacture of strip steel. This investigation included an examination of the chemical and physical properties of virgin and spent palm oils, especially with respect to the effect of these properties on the action of these oils in the tin bath. Based on the results of this investigation, and on information and cooperation of various producers and consumers of tin plate, efforts were made to produce from cottonseed oil a product which would be equal to or superior to palm oil with respect to its performance in the tin bath. It was found that, of the various types of selectivity hydrogenated cottonseed oils which were investigated, one having an iodine number of approximately 50 was best adopted as a palm oil substitute for use in the tin bath. The effect of heating hydrogenated cottonseed oils on the viscosity, rates of free fatty acid formation, rate of volatilization, effect of flux, and other factors were determined. Based on these results and further evaluation of the hydrogenated cottonseed oils by various producers of tin plate, specifications were formulated covering a product which it is believed will provide optimum performance and maximum life in the tin bath.