Stearic Acid

Stearic Acid for Cosmetics and Paints, or octadecanoic acid according to IUPAC (C17H35CO2H), is a saturated fatty acid whose name comes from the Greek word στέαρ “stéar”, which means tallow. Being the most abundant fatty acid in nature after palmitic. This acid is also known as stearin.

It is a cheap raw material due to its abundance in nature and, as it is completely innocuous, it becomes a product widely used in cosmetics, pharmacy, plastics, soaps and many other industries.

It is obtained through the hydrolysis of different vegetable and animal oils and fats. Adplast supplies stearic acid of vegetable and animal origin.

Stearic Acid | Plastic Extrusion

Adding between 0.3-1.0% stearic acid acts as a solid lubricant, remaining stable at high temperatures and improving the following manufacturing points:

Product homogeneity
high temperature spots
energy consumption
Raw material savings

Rubber / Tire Industry

It is used in the tire industry, as well as in the rubber industry, in different concentrations together with other substances in order to control the flexibility or other properties of the final product.

Accelerates the vulcanization process.

Surface treatment – Waxes

The liquid or solid can be melted and used for surface treatment of parts and materials, in order to avoid their oxidation, hardening, adhesions or their becoming wet.

It is also used in combination with waxes and resins to improve the protective properties of raw materials and end products. The “greasy” part of stearic acid repels water and creates an insulating layer on the product.

Detergents and Surfactants

It is used to control acidity in very alkaline soaps and acts as an emulsifier, giving hardness to the mixture. Also used in fabric softeners and as a defoamer.

Cosmetics and Paints

It has good properties as an emulsion stabilizer and thickener. It also gives cosmetics a soft, refreshing feel to the skin.

A curious application is that of being one of the raw materials together with calcium stearate in plasticine.

Candle Production

Is used by candle makers in some applications:

A small dose of stearic acid in the candle mix also fixes the candle scent longer, preventing aroma migration.
The addition of amounts of stearic acid together with the paraffin and the rest of the products is used to modify the candle’s melting point. This use is intended to improve the properties when stored with heat or to maintain the shape of the candle when lit.
Stearic acid also helps to improve the appearance and opacity of candles.

Phytosanitary – Repellent

In some formulations, this material acts as a repellent for rodents and other animals that can affect crops and plants.

In nature, is generated by the decomposition or degradation of animal fats, to which these animals associate it with death and putrefaction, staying away.

Pyrotechnics

It is used as a coating for metallic powders to prevent oxidation and to be able to store them for long periods of time.

This insulating property is also used on hygroscopic solids to prevent moisture absorption and improve service life.

Stearic Acid

Adplast has tailor-made solutions capable of achieving excellent quality-performance ratios.