Zinc Stearate

Zinc stearate is a zinc soap that is known for repelling water. Zinc stearate is a very fine, soft and colorless powder. It’s a high quality material with an exceptionally small particle size. It doesn’t have a strong odor, though it’s possible for there to be a slight fatty acid scent because of the long-chain fatty acids. Zinc stearates are soluble in aromatic compounds and chlorinated hydrocarbons when warmed, but they are insoluble in alcohol and ethers.

Product Details

Formula:

C36H70O4Zn

CAS Number:

557-05-1

Also Known As:

Zinc distearate; Zinc octadecanoate

Structure:

9_Main_Zinc Stearate.png

applications:

Zinc stearate has many unique properties, which is why it can be used in a wide range of industries. Zinc Stearate is commonly used as a release agent, heat stabilizer and lubricant in the plastics, polyolefin, polystyrene and rubber industry. Zinc Stearate is also used as a sanding additive in wood coatings (lacquers). In cosmetics, zinc stearate is a lubricant and thickening to improve texture. Thanks to its lubricating effects, water repellency, gelling capacity and non-stick texture, zinc stearate is highly versatile.

The insoluble salt is made of commercial stearic acid, a type of mild fatty acid that is used as an emollient and lubricant. It is often combined with zinc oxide. Zinc, on its own, is known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Below are the industries that benefit from using zinc stearates:

  1. -Rubber
  2. -Plastics/Polymers
  3. -Masterbatch
  4. -Paint and Coating
  5. -Cosmetics
  6. -Pharmaceutical
  7. -Paper
  8. -Concrete

Safety of Zinc Stearate

Certain grades of Zinc Stearate are FDA and CIR approved, and the Cosmetics Database considers it to be a low-to-moderate hazard ingredient depending on how much is being used. Some of the concerns listed include an increased risk of cancer, allergies and organ toxicity. However, these studies refer to cases where high levels of the ingredient was given to animals. According to OSHA, zinc stearate is a human irritant but has low acute toxicity in animal studies as long as it is used accordingly.

Packaging:

Small bags (25kg and 50lb) and Super Sacks (500kg and 1000kg)

Download SDS

Typical Specifications

Data is representative of average lots;
data taken from specific lots may vary.

Appearance

White powder

Density, g/cm3

1.095

Flash Point, °C

277

Melting point, °C

128-130

Molecular weight, g/mol

632.33

Odor

Slight fatty acid scent

Purity, %

99 min.

We have several different grades of zinc stearate available depending on application.

Silver Fern Chemical is happy to assist you with your order for zinc stearate. We work with both small and large companies, and we can ship the product according to your exact specifications.