| abstract |
Polyglycerol fatty acid esters, which may be completely esterified (e.g., have a Hydroxyl Value of no more than about 30) or partially esterified, are provided. The esters are commonly formed from a mixture of polyglycerols which include no more than about 50 wt.% cyclic polyglycerols. The polyglycerol esters commonly have a Hydroxyl Value of no more than about 150. Typically the polyglycerol esters have a fatty acid composition which includes a substantial amount of unsaturated fatty acids, e.g., polyglycerol fatty acid esters having an Iodine Value of about 80 to 150. The polyglycerol fatty acid ester may be used as a component in a coating composition, or as an intermediate to form polymeric materials, such as alkyd or urethane resins. |