What Is Dimer Acid?
Dimer acid, also known as dimeric acid, is a dicarboxylic acid featuring a 36-carbon (C36) alkyl group. It is produced by dimerizing C18 unsaturated fatty acids from vegetable oils and fats, such as linoleic acid and oleic acid. Vegetable oils and fats from waste cooking oil recycling are also used as raw materials.
The structure of dimer acid products varies based on the fatty acids used and the polymerization method. The industrial quality of dimer acid varies, containing different amounts of trimer and other substances in addition to the dimer.
Uses of Dimer Acid
Dimer acid is utilized as a modifier for thermosetting and thermoplastic resins, as a raw material for polyamidoamine, an epoxy resin curing agent, and thermoplastic polyamide resin. It is used in paints, inks, and adhesives.
Its flexibility makes it suitable for use as a lubricant and cutting oil. Dimer acid is also added to corrosion inhibitors and rust inhibitors, and in cosmetics as a blocking agent to prevent skin moisture evaporation, maintaining skin moisture.