Aluminium stearate
Description
Aluminium stearate is an aluminium salt of stearic acid, known chemically as aluminium tristearate, with the formula
Al(C
18
H
35
O
2
)
3
Al(C
18
H
35
O
2
)
3
or
C
54
H
105
AlO
6
C
54
H
105
AlO
6
. It is a fine, white, water-insoluble powder widely used for its lubricating, thickening, gelling, and water-repellent properties in a range of industrial and commercial applications.
Chemical Properties and Composition
Chemical Formula:
Al(C
18
H
35
O
2
)
3
Al(C
18
H
35
O
2
)
3
.
Molecular Weight: 877.39 g/mol.
Appearance: Fine, white, odourless and fluffy powder.
Melting Point: Typically 135–170°C.
Solubility: Insoluble in water and ethanol; soluble in benzene, turpentine, mineral oils, and hot organic solvents; soluble in alkali.
Stability: Stable, but decomposes in hot, strong acids.
Uses
Lubricant and Thickener: Commonly used in the plastics, rubber, and grease industries as an internal and external lubricant, and as a thickener in lubricants and greases for stability under heat and mechanical stress.
Paints and Coatings: Functions as a water-repellent, viscosity modifier, pigment dispersant, and gelling agent in alkyd paints and varnishes, improving their durability and performance.
Waterproofing and Cements: Serves as a waterproofing additive for fabrics, ropes, and cements.
Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics: Employed as a thickening agent, binder, stabilizer, and emulsifier in cosmetic creams, ointments, lotions, and pharmaceutical tablets.
Other Industrial Uses: Used as a defoaming agent in drilling fluids, as a retarder for dental impression materials, a flatting agent, and as a water-repellent soap for treating stone and bricks.
Technical and Safety Highlights
Form/Handling: Forms a plastic mass when heated; safe under normal handling but should be avoided in high concentrations or ingestion.
Ash Content: Varies by grade, typically 7.5–11.5% for technical products.
Additional Properties: High hydrophobicity, mild antiseptic/aesthetic properties, and good compatibility with other formulation ingredients.
Aluminium stearate is valued for its versatility, stability, and multifaceted utility across industries such as plastics, cosmetics, paints, and construction materials.
Specifications
| Model No. | N-CH1175 |
|---|