Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA) is a natural byproduct of the Kraft pulping process, which is used to convert wood into pulp for paper production. It is obtained from the acidic fraction of tall oil, a mixture of resin acids and fatty acids recovered during the pulping process. Tall oil is primarily derived from pine trees, particularly those used in the paper and pulp industry.

TOFA consists mainly of a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, primarily oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid, along with smaller amounts of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and others. It typically contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids compared to other fatty acid sources, making it valuable for various industrial applications.

Tall oil fatty acid finds wide use in industries such as:

Chemical Industry: TOFA serves as a raw material or intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including dimer acids, alkyd resins, surfactants, lubricant additives, and synthetic fatty acids.

Coatings and Inks: TOFA is used as a key component in the production of alkyd resins, which are widely used in paints, coatings, varnishes, and printing inks. Alkyd resins based on tall oil fatty acids provide excellent adhesion, durability, and weather resistance.

Adhesives and Sealants: Tall oil fatty acids are used in the formulation of adhesives and sealants due to their ability to improve bonding strength and flexibility.

Metalworking: TOFA derivatives are used as additives in metalworking fluids and lubricants to enhance their lubricity, anti-corrosion properties, and cooling capabilities.

Personal Care and Cosmetics: Tall oil fatty acids are used in cosmetic formulations such as soaps, shampoos, creams, and lotions as emollients, thickeners, and surfactants.

Surfactants: TOFA can be converted into various surfactants and emulsifiers used in detergents, cleaning products, and industrial applications.

Overall, tall oil fatty acid is a versatile raw material with a wide range of industrial applications, particularly in the chemical, coatings, and personal care industries, due to its unique composition and beneficial properties.