| Abstract: | Fatchemical and Petrochemical Raw Materials - Contrast or Complementation? Fatchemical products are used in all branches of industry and crafts for a variety of purposes. The areas of application are determined by the types of fatty acids which are available as raw materials. It is shown that the C18 chain length is dominant. The most commonly occurring fatty acids are oleic- and linoleic acids. Lauric acids, which is so important for the major areas of application, only represents a small fraction of the world supply of fats. The use of raw material alternatives instead of fats is explained by the relative uniformity of the fatty acid spectrum found amongst the natural fatty acids. In addition, the special place occupied by coconut oil is economically attractive. A survey of the various possibilities and processes for fatchemical products which are derived from fats and petrochemical derivatives is presented. It may be expected that further positive developments of agricultural oil. and fat-production will occur by better yields as well as by successful breeding, resulting in changes in the fat composition. In the long term it may be assumed that the range of natural fats will not only expand, but that it will also be widened by new fatty acid compositions. Petrochemical processes can also have good prospects for the future. Fatchemical and petrochemical raw materials can complement each other in a positive fashion thus enriching the spectrum of fatchemical products. |
