TOFA 180 (Tall Oil Fatty Acids 180) is an amber to dark-amber fatty-acid feedstock derived from tall oil with an acid value of at least 180 mg KOH/g; in mining flotation it is used, after saponification with an alkali, as an anionic collector that adsorbs onto the surface of non-sulfide ores such as oxides, carbonates and phosphates. Its high tolerance for rosin (resin acid, max. 3%) and unsaponifiables (max. 6%) together with its low cost make it an economical collector choice in many flotation circuits.

What is TOFA 180?

TOFA (Tall Oil Fatty Acids) is a renewable-source product obtained by distilling tall oil, a by-product of pulp and paper production, and consists mainly of unsaturated oleic- and linoleic-type fatty acids. The 180 grade is standardized to an acid value of at least 180 mg KOH/g; this figure measures the free fatty-acid content and determines how much saponifiable active matter is available to act as a collector.

The key feature that sets TOFA 180 apart from a more refined grade is its higher tolerance for resin (rosin) acid and unsaponifiable matter. This creates an ideal profile for applications such as flotation, where color and purity are not critical but cost is decisive. Typical specification:

  • Appearance: amber to dark-amber liquid.
  • Acid value: min. 180 mg KOH/g.
  • Iodine value: min. 150 (an indicator of the degree of unsaturation).
  • Resin (rosin) acid: max. 3%.
  • Unsaponifiable matter: max. 6%.

How does it work as a collector in flotation?

Froth flotation is a beneficiation method that separates valuable minerals from gangue in a slurry (pulp) of ground ore. Fatty-acid collectors are the classic anionic collectors for non-sulfide minerals — iron oxides such as hematite, phosphates such as apatite, and carbonate/salt-type minerals such as calcite and fluorite. Before use, TOFA 180 is saponified with an alkali such as sodium hydroxide to convert it into a water-soluble fatty-acid soap (carboxylate).

The resulting carboxylate anion adsorbs onto cationic sites on the mineral surface (for example Ca²⁺, Fe³⁺) through chemisorption and physical adsorption; the molecule's long hydrocarbon tail orients toward the water, rendering the surface hydrophobic (water-repellent). The now-hydrophobic mineral particle attaches to air bubbles introduced into the pulp and is carried into the froth phase for collection. The resin acids present in TOFA 180 contribute to the collecting and frothing behavior in a similar way.

Why is TOFA 180 an economical choice?

  • High rosin tolerance (max. 3%): because resin acids also behave as collectors in flotation, this adds value relative to more refined grades while keeping cost low.
  • High unsaponifiable tolerance (max. 6%): in a process with low color/purity sensitivity, this tolerance drives down unit cost.
  • Renewable source: bio-based, a by-product of the paper industry, versus petroleum-derived collectors.
  • Bulk supply: 20-24 MT net ISO-tank shipments suit the continuous consumption of large flotation plants.
BİO BAZLI ÜRÜNLERTall Oil Fatty Acids 180 (TOFA)TOFA 180 in the KORKİMYA portfolio is offered in bulk (ISO tank) as a technical grade for flotation-collector formulations.

In collector selection, TOFA 180 is evaluated alongside other tall-oil derivatives such as distilled tall oil (DTO); in some flotation circuits DTO, with its different balance of resin and fatty acids, can also serve as a collector or collector-frother.

Safe handling and storage

TOFA 180 is a combustible organic liquid; its vapors and aerosols can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Keep away from heat, sparks and ignition sources; because saponification uses a strong alkali (NaOH), use chemical-resistant gloves, eye/face protection and ventilation to guard against the exothermic reaction and splashing. Always follow the product's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
  • Store in closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
  • Can be stored in bulk in carbon-steel or stainless-steel tanks; keep away from oxidizers.
  • Shelf life is 12 months and can be extended to 24 months following a quality-control test.
  • Because of its unsaturated structure, prolonged air exposure can darken the color; keep containers tightly closed.
What does TOFA 180 stand for?

TOFA stands for Tall Oil Fatty Acids; 180 is the grade value indicating that the product's acid value is at least 180 mg KOH/g.

Which ores is TOFA 180 used for in flotation?

Fatty-acid collectors suit non-sulfide minerals: iron oxides such as hematite, phosphates such as apatite, and carbonate/salt minerals such as calcite and fluorite. Sulfide ores generally use xanthate-type collectors.

Why is TOFA 180 saponified before use?

Free fatty acids are poorly soluble in water. When saponified with an alkali such as sodium hydroxide, they form a water-soluble carboxylate soap; this anionic species adsorbs onto the mineral surface, makes it hydrophobic and enables flotation.

Does the difference between TOFA 180 and TOFA 185 matter for collector selection?

TOFA 180 is a more economical grade with higher tolerance for rosin and unsaponifiables and suits applications with low color/purity sensitivity such as flotation; more refined grades target color-sensitive fields such as resins and inks.