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| CAS No.: | Xxxx |
| Formula: | Xxxx |
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Stearic acid is a long-chain saturated fatty acid , typically derived from animal or vegetable fats (such as tallow or palm oil). It appears as a white, waxy solid with a melting point of approximately 69°C, is slightly soluble in water, and readily dissolves in organic solvents like ethanol and chloroform. It exhibits excellent lubricity, emulsifying properties, and chemical stability, along with being mild and non-irritating.
As a versatile raw material, stearic acid is widely used in cosmetics, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. In cosmetics, it serves as a thickener and emulsifier in creams and soaps, enhancing texture and stability. In the plastics and rubber industries, it acts as a lubricant or release agent to improve processing performance. The pharmaceutical industry utilizes its binding properties in tablet excipients. Additionally, its derivatives are used as food additives. Thanks to its natural origin, safety, and multifunctionality, stearic acid is a fundamental raw material across industries, offering a balance of performance and cost-effectiveness.
| Category | Properties/Characteristics | Applications | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Octadecanoic Acid | - | - |
| Chemical Formula | C18H36O2 | - | - |
| CAS No. | 57-11-4 | - | - |
| Molecular Weight | 284.48 g/mol | - | - |
| Chemical Properties | - Saturated long-chain fatty acid - Weak acid (pKa ~4.9) - Reacts with bases to form soaps (e.g., sodium stearate) - Can be esterified (e.g., glyceryl stearate) |
Used in saponification (soap-making), emulsifiers, lubricants, etc. | Derived from hydrolysis or hydrogenation of animal/vegetable fats |
| Physical Properties | - Appearance: White waxy solid/powder - Melting point: ~69°C - Boiling point: ~361°C - Density: ~0.94 g/cm³ - Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether, chloroform - Odor: Odorless or mild fatty odor |
Suitable for high-temperature processing (plastics, rubber) or stable formulations (cosmetics) | Commonly sourced from tallow, palm oil, coconut oil |
| Industrial Grade Uses | - Plastics/Rubber: Lubricant, mold release agent - Metalworking: Polishing agent - Textiles: Waterproofing agent, softener |
Improves processing flow and surface finish | May contain minor fatty acids (e.g., palmitic acid) |
| Cosmetic Grade Uses | - Emulsifier (creams, lotions) - Thickener (soaps, shampoos) - Pearlizing agent (personal care products) |
Enhances product stability and texture | High purity (≥90%), complies with cosmetic safety standards |
| Pharmaceutical/Food Uses | - Pharmaceuticals: Tablet lubricant, sustained-release agent - Food: Additive (E570, anti-caking agent, emulsifier) |
Non-toxic, meets pharmacopeia/food-grade standards (USP/EP) | Highly refined, impurity-free |
| Derivatives | Stearates (e.g., magnesium stearate), glyceryl stearate, stearyl alcohol, etc. | Extended applications (e.g., pharmaceutical excipients, food emulsifiers) | Produced via further chemical reactions |
Notes:
Sources: Commercial stearic acid is mainly obtained through hydrolysis of vegetable oils (primarily palm oil) or processing of animal fats (tallow), with typical purity ranging from 90% to 99%.
Eco-Friendliness: Biodegradable, but industrial production may involve chemical treatments (e.g., hydrogenation).
Emulsifier & Thickener: Stabilizes oil-water mixtures and adjusts product texture.
Pearlescent Agent: Adds shimmer to products.
Cleaning & Foaming Agent: Enhances cleansing power and foam stability.
Skincare: Face creams, hand lotions, sunscreen.
Soaps: Bar soaps, transparent soaps, handmade soaps.
Hair Care: Shampoos, conditioners.
Makeup: Foundations, lipsticks (improves texture stability).
Lubricant: Reduces friction during processing and improves flow.
Release Agent: Prevents sticking to molds.
Stabilizer: Enhances weather resistance.
Plastic Products: PVC pipes, packaging films, toys (e.g., LEGO plastic parts).
Rubber Products: Tires, gaskets, shoe soles (e.g., processing aid in car tires).
Tablet Excipient: Acts as a lubricant and sustained-release carrier.
Ointment Base: Controls drug release rate.
Tablets: Aspirin, vitamin tablets (using magnesium stearate as a lubricant).
Topical Ointments: Anti-inflammatory creams, antibacterial ointments.
Food Additive: Anti-caking agent, emulsifier .
Candy Coating: Prevents sticking.
Processed Foods: Instant beverage powders, chocolate (prevents clumping).
Baking: Bread mold release agents, candy coatings .
Polishing Agent: Improves surface smoothness.
Anti-Rust Agent: Provides short-term oxidation protection.
Metal Products: Stainless steel cutlery, automotive part polishes.
Softener: Improves fabric hand feel.
Waterproofing Agent: Enhances fiber hydrophobicity.
Textiles: Cotton fabrics, wool products (e.g., waterproof jacket coatings).
Leather: Shoes, bags (increases flexibility).
Candle Hardener: Extends burn time and shape stability.
Paint Additive: Improves leveling and gloss.
Candles: Scented candles, decorative candles.
Industrial Paints: Furniture varnishes, automotive paints.
Purity Selection:
Cosmetic/Pharmaceutical Grade: Requires ≥90% purity (FDA/USP compliant).
Industrial Grade: May contain minor fatty acids (e.g., palmitic acid).
Compatibility Testing: Verify interactions with other ingredients (e.g., active compounds, resins).
Processing Temperature: Melting point ~69°C; requires molten state for mixing (e.g., plastics processing).
1.Q:How's the quality?
A:We are the source factory, quality is guaranteed.
2.Q:When does it ship?
A:We have standardized processes to ship as fast as possible.
3.Q:How do you protect the after-sales?
A:We keep samples of each batch and support returns and technical traceability in case of quality problems.
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