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Calcium stearate

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Calcium Stearate is a metallic stearate salt, appearing as a fine, white, hydrophobic powder. It is produced through the reaction of stearic acid (a fatty acid derived from natural oils and fats) with calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. It functions primarily as an acid scavenger, lubricant, release agent, and stabilizer across multiple industrial sectors. Its unique combination of water repellency, low solubility, and high melting point makes it an essential processing additive in plastics, rubber, construction, and paper industries. Technical grade Calcium Stearate is manufactured for industrial performance applications and is not intended for direct food, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic use unless specifically certified and labeled for those applications.

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Categories: Waterproofing Agents, Additives, Admixtures, Stabilizers (UV, Heat) Tags: Acid Scavenger, Calcium Octadecenoate, Calcium Stearate, Hydrophobic Powder, Industrial Lubricant, Metallic Stearate, Mold Release Agent, Plastic Lubricant, PVC Stabilizer, Waterproofing Agent

Description

Table of Contents

Calcium stearate

Primary Uses

1. Plastics and Polymer Manufacturing

Acid scavenger in polyolefins: Neutralizes residual acid catalyst residues from Ziegler-Natta and metallocene polymerization processes, preventing corrosion of processing equipment and degradation of polymer properties.
Internal and external lubricant: Reduces friction between polymer chains during melt processing and prevents adhesion of molten plastic to metal surfaces of extruders, injection molds, and calenders.
PVC heat stabilizer: Functions as a costabilizer in rigid and flexible PVC formulations, providing early color hold and preventing dehydrochlorination during high-temperature processing.
Release agent: Facilitates demolding of plastic articles and prevents sticking in blow molding and injection molding operations.

2. Rubber Processing Chemicals

Mold release agent: Prevents cured rubber compounds from adhering to vulcanization molds and press platens.
Processing aid: Improves flow characteristics and reduces energy consumption during mixing and calendering.
Activator: Functions as a secondary activator in sulfur-cured rubber systems, enhancing crosslinking efficiency.

3. Construction Chemicals

Waterproofing agent: Imparts hydrophobicity to concrete, mortar, and gypsum-based construction materials, reducing water absorption and improving durability.
Efflorescence control: Reduces the migration of soluble salts to the surface of masonry products.
Cement additive: Improves workability and air entrainment in dry-mix mortars and renders.

4. Paints and Coatings

Flatting agent: Reduces gloss in architectural and industrial coatings, producing matte and satin finishes.
Suspension aid: Prevents settling of pigments and fillers in solvent-based and water-based paint systems.
Sandability enhancer: Improves dry-film sanding properties in wood coatings and primers.

Secondary Uses

1. Paper Chemicals

Pulp and paper lubricant: Improves release properties in paper machine drying cylinders.
Coating pigment: Used in paper coatings to improve gloss, printability, and water resistance.

2. Personal Care and Cosmetics (Conditional – requires cosmetic grade certification)

Thickener: Viscosity modifier in creams, lotions, and anhydrous systems.
Opacifying agent: Imparts pearlescent or opaque appearance in formulations.

3. Pharmaceuticals (Conditional – requires pharmaceutical/USP grade certification)

Tablet lubricant: Prevents tablet sticking to punches and dies during compression.
Glidant: Improves powder flow properties in granulation and direct compression processes.

4. Food Packaging (Conditional – requires food grade certification)

Indirect food additive: Used in food-contact plastics and paperboard under applicable regulations.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Calcium dioctadecanoate; Calcium distearate
Common/Trade Name: Calcium Stearate; Calcium Octadecanoate
CAS Number: 1592-23-0
HS Code: 2915.70
Molecular Formula: C₃₆H₇₀CaO₄
Molecular Weight: 607.04 g/mol
Synonyms:
- Calcium distearate
- Octadecanoic acid, calcium salt
- Stearic acid, calcium salt
- Calcium salt of stearic acid

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Fine, soft powder
Color & Odor: White to off-white; faint fatty acid odor
Melting Point: 150–160°C (decomposes)
Density: 1.03–1.08 g/cm³
Bulk Density: 0.2–0.4 g/cm³ (loose); 0.4–0.6 g/cm³ (tapped)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, ethanol, and diethyl ether; slightly soluble in hot benzene and turpentine; soluble in hot pyridine
Particle Size: 2–20 µm (typical industrial grade)
Moisture Content: ≤ 2.0%
Free Fatty Acid: ≤ 1.0%
Calcium Content: 6.5–7.5%
pH (5% slurry): 7.0–9.0

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: Not classified as hazardous under normal conditions of use
WHMIS Classification: Not controlled
HMIS Rating: Health: 1, Flammability: 1, Reactivity: 0
Toxicity: Practically non-toxic (LD₅₀ oral rat > 5,000 mg/kg)
Irritation: May cause mild mechanical irritation to eyes and respiratory tract
Combustibility: Combustible dust; may form explosive mixtures with air in finely divided form

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area in tightly closed, original containers. Protect from moisture, humidity, and direct sunlight.
Container Type: Multi-layer paper bags with polyethylene liner, fiber drums, or supersacks
Shelf Life: 12–24 months when stored under recommended conditions
Handling Precautions:
- Avoid generation of dust clouds
- Use local exhaust ventilation or dust collection systems
- Minimize static discharge; ground equipment
- Prevent accumulation of dust on surfaces
Storage Measures: Keep away from strong oxidizers and acids; maintain dry conditions

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Regulatory Status:
- TSCA (USA): Listed
- DSL (Canada): Listed
- EINECS/ELINCS (EU): 216-472-8
- REACH: Registered for industrial use
Food Contact Compliance: Grades certified for food contact comply with FDA 21 CFR 175.105, 175.300, 176.170, 176.180, 177.1200, 178.2010, and 181.29
Labeling Requirements: Technical grade products must be labeled "Not for Human Consumption" unless food/pharmaceutical grade certified

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD 301)
Ecotoxicity: Practically non-toxic to aquatic organisms (LC50/EC50 > 100 mg/L)
Bioaccumulation: Low potential for bioaccumulation
Environmental Fate: Rapidly degrades in soil and water
Airborne Dust: Class St 1 (Kst ≤ 200 bar·m/s) – weak to moderate explosion severity

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required:
- Eyes: Safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
- Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), work uniform or lab coat
- Respiratory: Use NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 particulate respirator when airborne dust concentrations exceed occupational exposure limits
Handling Guidelines:
- Minimize dust generation and accumulation
- Use non-sparking tools and grounded equipment
- Avoid breathing dust; use local exhaust ventilation
- Practice good housekeeping to prevent dust layering
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke in handling areas
Storage Measures:
- Store away from strong oxidizing agents and acids
- Protect from moisture and water ingress
- Maintain dry, moderate temperature conditions (10–30°C)
- Rotate stock using FIFO method
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling
- Remove contaminated clothing and launder before reuse
- Shower at end of shift

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Remove person to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen. Seek medical attention if cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms develop.
Skin Contact: Brush off excess powder. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 15 minutes while holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention if irritation, redness, or discomfort persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Drink one or two glasses of water. Seek medical attention if large quantities are swallowed or if discomfort occurs.

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible solid. Finely divided dust, when dispersed in air and ignited, can cause dust explosions.
Flash Point: Not applicable (solid)
Auto-ignition Temperature: > 400°C
Minimum Explosive Concentration: 0.03–0.05 oz/ft³
Extinguishing Media:
- Preferred: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO₂
- Avoid: High-pressure water stream may spread dust and burning material
Special Firefighting Procedures:
- Wear full protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
- Use water spray to cool exposed containers and suppress dust
- Contain firefighting runoff to prevent environmental contamination
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, calcium oxide, acrid smoke and fumes