What Is Distilled Palm Stearin Fatty Acid? Specifications, Production, and Uses
- Distilled palm stearin fatty acid (DPSFA) is a fatty acid obtained by splitting and distilling palm stearin, with palmitic acid content of 47–65%.[1]
- Its specifications include acid value 205–214 mg KOH/g, saponification value 206–215 mg KOH/g, and titer 47–54 °C.[1][2]
- The product is solid with iodine value 28–46 depending on grade, and maximum moisture of 0.2%.[1][2]
- It is obtained by splitting palm oil and palm kernel oil, available as broad cut or purer fatty acids through fractional distillation.[1]
- It is used for rubber processing, wax, cosmetics, soap, metallic soap, and as feedstock for fatty alcohols and fatty acid esters.[1]
Distilled palm stearin fatty acid is a palm stearin fatty acid purified by distillation. Its high palmitic acid content makes it an important feedstock for soap, cosmetic, and rubber industries.
Table of contents
What Is Distilled Palm Stearin Fatty Acid?
Distilled palm stearin fatty acid (DPSFA) is a fatty acid obtained by splitting palm stearin and purifying it by distillation. This product is a long-chain fatty acid with high palmitic acid content.[1]
Palm stearin is the solid fraction of palm oil rich in saturated triglycerides. After splitting into free fatty acids and distillation, palm stearin yields fatty acids high in palmitic and stearic acids.[1][2]
The product is marketed under names such as Wilfarin DP-1602 from Wilmar and Sinar-DPSFA from Sinar Mas. Partially hydrogenated variants are also available with lower iodine value and higher stearic acid content.[1][2]
Product Specifications
DPSFA specifications are set by acid value, saponification value, iodine value, titer, and fatty acid composition. Producers in Indonesia and Malaysia set nearly identical limits, though iodine values differ because of feedstock and distillation process differences.[1][2]
| Parameter | Wilfarin DP-1602 | Sinar-DPSFA |
|---|---|---|
| Acid value (mg KOH/g) | 206–214 | 205–212 |
| Saponification value (mg KOH/g) | 207–215 | 206–213 |
| Iodine value (% I2 absorbed) | Min. 28 | 42–46 |
| Titer (°C) | 47–54 | 47–53 |
| Moisture (%) | – | Max. 0.2 |
| Color | Lovibond 0.5/5 max. | APHA 60 max. |
| Form | Solid | Solid/liquid |
| Fatty acid | Wilfarin DP-1602 (%) | Sinar-DPSFA (%) |
|---|---|---|
| C16 (palmitic) | 55–65 | 47–54 |
| C18:1 (oleic) | 20–35 | 30–37 |
| C18 (stearic) | 4–8 | Max. 9 |
| C18:2 (linoleic) | Max. 8 | Max. 9 |
| C14 and below | Max. 2 | Max. 1.5 |
Production
DPSFA is obtained by fat splitting at high temperature and pressure, producing free fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acid blend is then purified by simple or fractional distillation to customer requirements.[1]
Wilfarin fatty acids come from palm oil and palm kernel oil, and are available as broad cut or purer fatty acids. Fractional distillation separates fatty acids by boiling point so palmitic and stearic acid levels can be tuned for end use.[1]
Partially hydrogenated variants such as Wilfarin DP-1602H have iodine value 30–42 and stearic acid content 12–22%, higher than standard product, giving higher melting point and suitability for certain applications.[4]
Uses
DPSFA is used for rubber processing, wax, and cosmetic products. These fatty acids are also feedstock for derivatives such as MCT, soap, and metallic soap.[1]
In soap manufacture, long-chain fatty acids from palm stearin provide hardness and foam stability. In rubber and plastics, the product acts as lubricant and mold release agent.[1][3]
DPSFA is also feedstock for fatty alcohols, fatty amines, and fatty acid esters used in various industrial and personal care formulations.[1]
Summary
Distilled palm stearin fatty acid (DPSFA) is palm stearin fatty acid purified by distillation, with 47–65% palmitic acid and titer 47–54 °C. The product is solid and is used for rubber, wax, cosmetics, soap, metallic soap, and as feedstock for fatty alcohols and fatty acid esters.
References
- Wilmar International. Distilled Palm Stearine Fatty Acid — Wilfarin DP-1602. https://www.wilmar-international.com/oleochemicals/products/home-care/distilled-palm-stearine-fatty-acid
- PT Sinar Mas Agro Resources and Tbk (SMART). Distilled Palm Stearin Fatty Acids — Sinar-DPSFA. https://www.smart-tbk.com/en/produk-layanan/oleokimia/
- Golden Agri. Oleochemicals — brochure. https://www.golden-agri.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Brochure-Oleo.pdf
- Wilmar International. Distilled Palm Stearine Fatty Acid Partially Hardened — Wilfarin DP-1602H. https://www.wilmar-international.com/oleochemicals/products/personal-care/detail/distilled-palm-stearine-fatty-acid-partially-hardened