What is Calcium Stearate?

Calcium Stearate is a fine white powder that is non-toxic, insoluble in water, lubricating, thermally stable and hydrophobic. It is widely used as an additive in industry and is favored for its chemical stability and relatively economical price.

Function and effect

Lubricant: Reduces friction between materials, facilitating processing and molding.

Heat stabilizer: Prevents decomposition at high temperatures in the processing of plastics (e.g. PVC).

Water repellents: hydrophobic properties allow them to be used for moisture and water repellents.

Mold Release Agents: Prevent materials from sticking to molds, improving productivity.

Acid Neutralizers: Neutralize certain acids for specific chemical processes.

Fields of application

Plastics industry: Used as heat stabilizer and internal lubricant in PVC products (e.g. cables, pipes, profiles) to improve processing performance.

Rubber industry: Used as lubricant and mold release agent to improve the molding quality of rubber products.

Building materials: Used as water repellent or water reducing agent in cement and concrete to improve material durability.

Pharmaceuticals and food: Used as lubricants in tablet pressing or in certain food additives in compliance with regulations (subject to food grade standards).

Coatings and inks: As dispersants or smoothing agents to improve coating texture.

Paper Industry: Used in paper coating to provide water resistance and smoothness.

Usage and Precautions

Usage: Usually added to raw materials in powder form and mixed proportionally according to the specific application. The amount added varies depending on the application:

Plastics processing: Generally 0.5%-2% of the formulation, mixed with resin through a high-speed mixer.

Rubber products: Add as needed (about 1%-3%), mix evenly with rubber.

Construction materials: Add in small amount (usually less than 1%), mix with cement or mortar.

Pharmaceuticals: Add trace amount (about 0.5%-2%) to medicine powder and mold it through tablet press.

Caution:

Avoid excessive use, which may affect the mechanical properties or transparency of the material (e.g. PVC products).

In high temperature processing (e.g. PVC extrusion), it is often used with lead salt or organotin stabilizer.

It should be sealed during storage to avoid moisture absorption or caking by moisture.

If used in food or pharmaceutical applications, compliance with relevant regulations (e.g. FDA or Chinese food safety standards) should be ensured.