Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Like other saturated fats, stearic acid is solid at room temperature and floats on water. It appears white and has a mild aroma. Stearic Acid is a long-chain fatty acid that, due to its 18-carbon chain, is also referred to as Octadecanoic Acid. The name “stear” is a Greek word meaning “tallow,” as it was often derived from the natural animal by-products and fats that were obtained during the processing of meats; however, Stearic Acid may also be obtained from the fatty parts of plant sources.
Production
Stearic acid is obtained from fats and oils by the saponification of the triglycerides using hot water (about 100 °C). The resulting mixture is then distilled. Commercial stearic acid is often a mixture of stearic and palmitic acids. Fats and oils rich in stearic acid are more abundant in animal fat (up to 30%) than in vegetable fat (typically <5%). The important exceptions are the foods cocoa butter (34%) and shea butter, where the stearic acid content is 28–45%.
Applications
Stearic acid’s attributes of activating and lubricating allow this fatty acid to play a key role in several sectors. Its most frequent industrial use is for the creation of rubber. Without this or similar fatty acids, modern vulcanization methods would look quite different.
- Activator or Accelerator
- Internal Lubricant
- Mold release and surface lubricant
- Dispersing agent
- Softner
- Vulcanizing Activator
OTHER USES OF STEARIC ACID
While rubber production is one of the most common uses of this acid, many other industries use stearic acid for other applications.
- Coatings & Construction
- HI&I
- Oil & Gas
- Personal Care
- Plastics
- Textiles
Tulsiram Hanumanbagas Gilada (THG), is a leading trade house for Synthetic Rubbers and Rubber Chemicals. Established and Lead by Mr Ramakant Gilada 3 decades ago at Hyderabad and later expanded to all over South India.
Contact Us
- thghyd@gmail.com
- +91 7893883141
Copyright © 2024 Tulsiram HanumanBagas Gilada. All Rights Reserved.
