drying oil

views updated May 23 2018

drying oil Any highly unsaturated oil that absorbs oxygen and, when in thin films, polymerizes to form a skin. Linseed and tung oil are examples of drying oils used in paints and in the manufacture of linoleum, etc. Many are edible oils, but when polymerized may be toxic. See also iodine number.

drying oil

views updated May 11 2018

drying oil An oil that hardens to form a film on exposure to air. Drying oils are used in paints and varnishes.