Improvements in or relating to the production of modified oils, such as linseed oil

摘要

Linseed oil and oils having similar properties are modified to produce quick-drying oils, or oils more suitable in the production of alkyd resins, by treating the oil with finely divided metallic zinc at a temperature not exceeding 200 DEG F. over a relatively long time. The zinc may be granulated or powdered zinc, preferably blown zinc dust. Zinc dust made by volatizing zinc and cooling the vapour in an inert gas is suitable. The zinc is mixed with the oil and maintained in suspension with occasional and gentle stirring preferably at room temperature for 4 to 6 days: less desirably, the mixture may be heated to 180 DEG -200 DEG F. for 18 to 30 hours, e.g. to 200 DEG F. for 24 hours. The zinc dust is then allowed to settle and the oil is decanted off. The decanted oil may then be filtered or centrifuged.