Commonly used in the plastic and manufacturing industry, zinc stearate is a release agent, lubricant, and anti-caking agent used in industrial manufacturing. This unique salt has applications in a wide variety of industries, right from plastic and rubber to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In this blog, we will discuss what zinc stearate is and look at its various applications.
What is Zinc Stearate?
Zinc Stearate is a type of metallic soap that is created by the reaction of stearic acid and zinc oxide. The resulting compound is a white, fluffy powder that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. In production, it is mainly used to prevent plastic parts from sticking to the moulds. It is also used in the rubber industry as a processing aid, where it helps to improve the flow of rubber compounds and reduce tackiness. In the cosmetics industry, zinc stearates are used as a bulking agent, and to improve the texture and consistency of powders and creams.
Although there are many other metallic soaps such as magnesium stearates and calcium stearates, zinc stearate has several advantages over them. For instance, it has better water resistance and is less likely to absorb moisture, making it an ideal choice for products that need to be stored in humid conditions. Additionally, it has a lower melting point and is more easily dispersed in coatings, which makes it easier to work with. Zinc stearate also has better compatibility with other ingredients and is less likely to react with or to them, making it a more stable choice.
What are its applications?
Given its advantageous properties, zinc stearate has a wide range of applications spanning many industries. Let’s look at a few of them briefly in the section below:
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
Acting as a lubricant, emulsifier, and thickener, zinc stearate helps with the production of products such as creams and lotions to create a smooth and silky texture. Zinc stearate is also used as a binder in pressed powders and as a bulking agent in shampoos and conditioners.
Plastics and Rubber Industry:
In this industry, zinc stearate is used as a release agent to prevent materials from sticking to moulds during the manufacturing process. It is also used as a stabilizer to prevent discoloration and degradation of plastic and rubber products.
Paint and Coating Industry:
To give paints their signature matte finish, zinc stearate is commonly used in the paint and coating industry as a flatting agent. It also acts as a flow agent to enable a smooth application of the paint and prevent foam formation.
Pharmaceuticals:
Zinc stearate is used in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient, which is an inactive ingredient used to bind the active ingredient in a medication. It also supports the manufacturing of tablets and capsules by being a lubricating agent.
Textile Industry:
In this industry, zinc stearate is useful as a lubricant, a water-repellent, and an anti-static agent. It mainly helps in improving the flow of fibres during the spinning process.
Conclusion
To conclude, zinc stearate is a versatile material that is used in a variety of industries as a lubricant, emulsifier, stabilizer, and a release agent. The compound is valuable and indispensable to the manufacturing of various products. That is why Platinum Industries leaves no stone unturned to invest in quality R&D that can produce the best quality of zinc stearates.