Description
Zinc stearate is a zinc soap that is widely used as a release agent, lubricant, and anti-caking agent in various industries. It is derived from stearic acid, which is a fatty acid found in animal and vegetable fats. Some key points about zinc stearate include:
- Release Agent: Zinc stearate is commonly used as a release agent in the production of rubber, plastic, and polyurethane parts. It helps to prevent these materials from sticking to molds and facilitates their removal.
- Lubricant: Zinc stearate is used as a lubricant in various applications, including in the production of powder metallurgy parts, where it helps to reduce friction and improve flow properties.
- Anti-Caking Agent: Zinc stearate is used as an anti-caking agent in powdered products, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. It helps to prevent the particles in these products from clumping together.
- Coating Agent: Zinc stearate is used as a coating agent in the production of paper, where it helps to improve the paper’s water resistance and printability.
- Thermoplastic Processing Aid: In the plastics industry, zinc stearate is used as a processing aid for thermoplastics. It helps to improve the flow properties of the molten plastic and reduce the risk of die build-up.