Stearic Acid Series

Stearic Acid Series Overview

The stearic acid series refers to compounds with stearic acid as the core. Stearic acid, also known as octadecanoic acid, with a simple structural formula of CH3 (CH2) 16COOH, is a widely occurring fatty acid. This fatty acid has the chemical properties of a general carboxylic acid and is mainly produced by the hydrolysis of fats and oils. It usually exists as a white waxy transparent solid or a slightly yellow waxy solid, can be dispersed into powder, and has a slight butter odor.

Stearic acid is present in almost all oils and fats in varying amounts, especially in animal fats with a higher content, such as butter, which can reach up to 24%. In vegetable oil, the content is relatively low, such as tea oil at 0.8% and palm oil at 6%. However, the content of cocoa butter is as high as 34%.

Stearic acid is mainly used to manufacture stearate salts, such as sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, etc. In addition, stearic acid is also widely used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, such as snow cream and cold cream, to emulsify and turn it into a stable and white cream. Stearic acid is still the main raw material for almond honey and milk.

Characteristic of Stearic Acid Series

Widespread sources: Stearic acid is widely present and can be extracted from various animal and plant fats, making its sources relatively abundant.

Good stability: Stearic acid is a saturated monocarboxylic acid with stable chemical properties and is not easily oxidized or decomposed.

Diverse reactivity: Due to the presence of carboxyl groups, stearic acid can undergo various chemical reactions such as esterification, amidation, saponification, etc., thereby generating various derivatives with different properties and uses.

Good compatibility: Stearic acid and its derivatives can be compatible with various organic solvents and polymers, making them widely used in industry and daily life.

Nontoxic and harmless: Stearic acid and its derivatives are generally harmless to the human body and environment and are widely used in fields such as food and cosmetics.

Specifications of Stearic Acid Series

Parameter	Description
Material Name/Symbol	Stearic Acid / C₁₈H₃₆O₂
CAS Number	57-11-4
Chemical Formula	CH₃(CH₂)₁₆COOH
Purity (%)	≥98%
Impurities	≤2% (mainly palmitic acid, oleic acid)
Melting Point (°C)	69-73 °C
Boiling Point (°C)	Decomposes before boiling
Density (g/cm³)	0.94 g/cm³ at 20°C
Appearance	White to off-white powder or flakes
Odor	Practically odorless
Acid Value (mg KOH/g)	195-205
Saponification Value (mg KOH/g)	195-205
Iodine Value (g I₂/100g)	≤4
Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g)	Not applicable
pH Value (10% aqueous solution)	4-6
Solubility in Water	Insoluble in water; soluble in hot ethanol and ether
Solubility in Organic Solvents	Soluble in common organic solvents like acetone, chloroform, benzene
Flash Point (°C)	>200 °C
Autoignition Temperature (°C)	>340 °C
Viscosity (if applicable)	Not typically measured in solid form
Surface Area (m²/g)	Variable depending on particle size
Particle Size Distribution (PSD)	Average Particle Size (D50): varies by grade; typical range: 50-200 µm
Morphology	Flakes, granules, or powder
Bulk Density (g/cm³)	0.5-0.8 g/cm³
True Density (g/cm³)	0.94 g/cm³
Flowability	Good flowability
Moisture Content (%)	≤0.5%
Color	White to off-white
Safety Data	Refer to MSDS provided by manufacturer
Storage Conditions	Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture
Shelf Life	Stable for at least 2 years if stored under recommended conditions

Stearic Acid Series Application

Cosmetics industry: Stearic acid is used as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer in cosmetics, such as making creams, cold creams, lotions, etc.

Food and pharmaceutical industry: Stearic acid and its salts can be used as stabilizers, anti-caking agents, and lubricants in food, such as in producing chocolate, candy, bread, and other foods. Meanwhile, they are also used to manufacture certain pharmaceutical preparations.

Rubber industry: Stearic acid can serve as a softener and plasticizer for rubber, improving its processing performance and physical and mechanical properties.

Lubricant and oil industry: Stearic acid and its derivatives can be used as additives for lubricants and oils, improving lubrication performance and stability.

Plastic and rubber products: Stearic acid can also be used as a release agent for plastic and rubber products to prevent adhesion during processing.

Coatings and Ink Industry: Stearic acid and its derivatives can be used as thickeners, leveling agents, and dispersants for coatings and inks, improving their performance.

Company Profile

Rboschco is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12 years of experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials, including boride powder, nitride powder, graphite powder, sulfide powder, 3D printing powder, etc.

The company has a professional technical department and Quality Supervision Department, a well-equipped laboratory equipped with advanced testing equipment and an after-sales customer service center.

If you are looking for a high-quality stearic acid series, please feel free to contact us or click on the needed products to send an inquiry. 

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FAQ

Q1:

How is stearic acid prepared?

Re: Stearic acid is mainly prepared through the hydrolysis process of fats and oils. Oil reacts with water under alkaline conditions to produce sodium stearate (soap) and glycerol. Subsequently, sodium stearate can be acidified to obtain stearic acid.

Q2:

What are the common derivatives of stearic acid?

Re: Common derivatives of stearic acid include stearate salts (such as sodium stearate, calcium stearate, etc.), stearate esters (such as glycerides and ethyl stearates etc.), and ceramide.

Q3:

What is the main difference between stearic acid and unsaturated fatty acid?

Re: Stearic acid is a saturated fatty acid in which all carbon atoms on its carbon chain form single bonds with other atoms (usually hydrogen atoms). In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids contain at least one double bond, making them more active and beneficial for human health, such as reducing the risk of heart disease.

Q4:

What are the unique properties of stearic acid compared to other fatty acids?

Re: Stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid has a high melting point and stability. This makes it perform well in applications that require high temperatures or long-term storage. In addition, stearic acid also has high hydrophobicity, giving it unique advantages in certain specific applications.

Q5:

What are the storage requirements for the stearic acid series products?

Re: Stearic acid series products must be stored in a cool, dry, ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures. In addition, they should be stored separately from oxidants, acids, and other substances to prevent chemical reactions from causing changes in product quality.