Calcium stearate, also known as calcium octadecanoate, is an organic metal compound and a calcium salt of long-chain fatty acids. In industry, it is one of the most widely used lubricants and stabilizers.

CAS Number: 1592-23-0

Molecular formula: C₃₆H₇₀CaO₄

Molecular weight: 607.02

Physical form: White fine powder, with a smooth and slippery texture, odorless and tasteless, and having hygroscopic properties.

Key parameters

Physical and chemical properties

• Solubility: Insoluble in common solvents such as water, alcohol, and ether. Soluble in hot pyridine, hot benzene, turpentine oil, and mineral oil. Slightly soluble in hot alcohols.

• Chemical stability: Non-toxic. It readily absorbs moisture in the air. When exposed to strong acids, it decomposes into stearic acid and the corresponding calcium salt.

• Thermal stability: Exhibits good heat resistance, but will slowly decompose at high temperatures (such as 400℃).

Advantageous features

• Excellent lubricity: It has both internal and external lubricating effects, which can reduce the friction between polymers and processing equipment, and improve the plastic processing fluidity.

• Non-toxic safety: Widely recognized as a non-toxic additive, it can be used in the fields of food packaging, medical devices, and food additives (anti-caking agents).

• Synergistic stabilizing effect: Although not the primary stabilizer, it functions as an auxiliary stabilizer in PVC. It can form a synergistic effect with lead salts, soaps, etc., to prevent initial coloring.

• Halogen absorption capacity: In polyolefins (such as PP, PE), it can effectively neutralize the residual catalysts during resin synthesis, preventing them from corroding equipment or affecting the color of the resin.

• Feel and appearance: The fine powder texture of this product gives it a pleasant touch and a smooth surface finish.

Main purpose

Plastic Industry (The Largest Application Field)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): As a non-toxic heat stabilizer and lubricant, it is used in food packaging films, medical equipment, drinking water pipes, wire and cable materials, etc.

Polyolefin (PP/PE): As a halogen absorber (acid neutralizer) and lubricant, it prevents the corrosion of processing equipment, and enhances the transparency and color stability of the products.

Rubber Industry

Used as a demolding agent, plasticizer and isolator in rubber processing, it prevents the rollers from sticking during the vulcanization process and makes the surface of the products smooth.

Building materials

As a waterproofing agent, it is used as a coating lubricant for textiles, cement products, waterproof paper and coated paper.

Medicine and Food

Pharmaceutical excipients: Used as lubricants for tablets and capsules (typically used in quantities < 1.0%), they possess excellent anti-adhesive properties.

Food additives: Acting as anti-caking agents, emulsifiers and stabilizers, they prevent the caking of powdered foods (such as salt, milk powder, flavoring agents, etc.).

Other fields

Used as a glossing agent and dispersant in paints and inks; used as a base for foundation and blush in cosmetics; used as a demolding agent in the foundry industry.

Safety and Storage

Safety: Non-toxic, low irritancy. Oral LD50 > 10,000 mg/kg (in rats). It is an actually non-toxic substance. However, when processed into dust, inhalation should be avoided.

Storage conditions: Store in a cool, ventilated, and dry place. Pay attention to moisture prevention, heat prevention, and keeping away from fire sources. Avoid mixing with strong acids or strong bases.

Packaging: Usually, it is packed in woven bags lined with plastic film or composite paper bags, with a net weight of 20kg per bag.