9813. Tung Oil

Nomenclature

China wood oil.

Description and references

A drying oil from seeds of Aleurites cordata Steud., Euphorbiaceae, indigenous to China and Japan, but now grown also in Florida. Chief fatty acid component is eleostearic acid. Unlike linseed and soybean oils, it need not be refined.

Properties

Pale yellow liquid; characteristic disagreeable odor. On long keeping, or on heating for a short time at 300°, polymerizes to a stiff jelly. d 0.936-0.943. Iodine no. 163-171. Sapon no. 190-197. Sol in chloroform, ether, carbon disulfide, oils; the polymerized product is practically insol in the usual organic solvents.

Use

Manuf quick-drying wood varnishes, linoleum, and floor cloth; in India rubber substitutes, insulating masses; for waterproofing paper and other tissues.