Vernonia Oil
Vernonia oil is extracted from the seeds of the Vernonia galamensis (or ironweed), a plant native to eastern Africa. The seeds contain about 40 to 42% oil of which 73 to 80% is vernolic acid. The best varieties of V. anthelmintica contain about 30% less vernolic acid. Products that can be made from vernonia oil include epoxies for manufacturing adhesives, varnishes and paints, and industrial coatings. Its low viscosity recommends its use as a nonvolatile solvent in oil-based paints since it will become incorporated in the dry paint rather than evaporating into the air.
This use of vernonia oil offers potential environmental benefits, since its use could reduce emissions associated with man-made chemicals.
In its application as an epoxy oil, vernonia oil competes with soybean or linseed oil, which supply most of the market for these applications. Its low viscosity makes it more desirable than fully epoxidized linseed or soybean oils. It is more comparable to partially epoxidized linseed or soybean oil.
Read more about this topic: Vernolic Acid
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