Dimer Acid used in many
industry applications

Dimer Acid, also known as dimerized fatty acid, is a viscous, hydrophobic dicarboxylic acid produced by the dimerization of unsaturated C18 fatty acids (e.g., tall-oil fatty acids). Its long aliphatic backbone and di-acid functionality impart flexibility, adhesion, and chemical resistance, making it useful across many industries. Here are key industrial applications:

1. Polyamide Hot-Melt & PSA Adhesives: Core building block for polyamide resins used in hot-melt and pressure-sensitive adhesives, offering fast set, excellent tack, flexibility, and adhesion to difficult substrates (films, foils, polyolefins).
2. Epoxy Curing Agents (Polyamidoamines): Reacted to form polyamidoamine hardeners for epoxy coatings, floorings, marine and protective linings—delivering improved toughness, corrosion resistance, and salt/fuel resistance.
3. Printing Inks (Flexo/Gravure): Dimer-acid-based polyamides serve as binders for packaging inks, providing high gloss, good resolubility, excellent adhesion to PE/PP, and good heat/grease resistance.
4. Alkyd & Polyester Resins: Incorporated into alkyds/polyesters to enhance flexibility, impact resistance, chip resistance, and adhesion in industrial and architectural coatings.
5. Synthetic Lubricant Esters & Greases: Esterified with polyols (e.g., TMP, neopentyl glycol) to make high-VI, low-volatility base stocks and grease thickeners with good lubricity, biodegradability, and thermal/oxidative stability.
6. Corrosion Inhibitors & Rust Preventives: Neutralized or amidated derivatives act as oil-soluble inhibitors in fuels, metalworking fluids, and preservation oils, forming hydrophobic protective films on metal surfaces.
7. Oilfield Chemicals: Used in drilling fluids and production chemicals as lubricity improvers, emulsifiers, and corrosion-inhibitor components, improving tool life and reducing torque/drag.
8. Sealants, Caulks & Construction Mastics: Polyamide/ester systems derived from dimer acid impart flexibility, low-temperature performance, and adhesion to mineral and polymer substrates.
9. Plastic & Rubber Compounding: Functions as an internal plasticizing segment in specialty polyesters/polyamides to improve low-temperature flexibility and as an adhesion promoter in overmolding and tie-layer formulations.
10. Pigment Dispersants & Wetting Agents: Dimer-acid-based amides/esters aid pigment wetting and dispersion in coatings, inks, and color concentrates, improving gloss and color strength.
11. Textile & Leather Finishing: Components in flexible polyamide binders and soft, water-repellent finishes that improve hand feel and durability.
12. Personal Care Emollient Esters: Cosmetic esters (e.g., diisostearyl dimer dilinoleate) derived from dimer acid provide cushion, gloss, and long-wear in lipsticks, sunscreens, and skin-care formulations.
13. Fuel & Additives: Dimerate esters used as lubricity improvers and low-ash, high-flash additives in certain fuel and lubricant formulations.
14. Road-Marking & Thermoplastic Compounds: Polyamide resins from dimer acid contribute to toughness, chip resistance, and bond strength in road-marking paints and thermoplastic compounds.