Widely used in the plastic and manufacturing sectors, Zinc stearate serves as an effective release agent, lubricant, and anti-caking agent. This distinctive material finds widespread uses across numerous industries, including plastics, rubber, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This blog post of TLD Vietnam will explore the nature of Zinc stearate and examine its diverse applications.
What Exactly Is Zinc Stearate?
Generally, it is a metallic salt derived from Zinc oxide and Stearic acid, characterized by the molecular formula Zn(C17H35COO)2. Appearing as a white, powdery substance, it has low melting point and remarkable thermal resilience.Â
The Exceptional Properties
As we mentioned above, Zinc stearate typically exists as a fine, white powder. It is insoluble in water but dissolves in organic solvents such as alcohols and hydrocarbons. Beside, it has a slight odor, a melting point ranging between 120°C to 130°C and a relatively low density of about 1.1 g/cm³.
Zinc stearate is well-regarded for lubricating properties, making it an effective lubricant and release agent in various applications. This compound also has excellent thermal stability to be suitable for high-temperature processes. What’s more? Its hydrophobic nature allows it to repel water, enhancing the moisture-sensitive property for multifarious applications.
The Industrial Uses Of Zinc StearateÂ
Zinc stearate is definitely an valuable ingredient. In the following section, we will highlight its role in empowering the efficiency and quality of products in numerous industry.
Compounding and Masterbatch
Zinc stearate is widely used as a lubricant in the production of compounds and masterbatches. It is incorporated into plastics, rubber, and polymers to minimize friction, improve flowability, and prevent materials from sticking to molds and equipment.
Plastics and PolymersÂ
Zinc Stearate plays a significant role in the polymer industry by serving as a heat stabilizer element. For instance, in PVC stabilizers, it helps regulate the thermal degradation of PVC compounds, which are commonly used in the packaging of food and pharma products.
Rubber
Zinc Stearate serves as an anti-adhesive agent, particularly beneficial in minimizing adhesion. Additionally, it functions as a mold release agent and dusting agent for rubber, as well as a lubricant that prevents rubber from sticking to mold.Â
Pharmaceutical industry
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.
However, for this applications, it’s imperative that it must be of right pharma grade and be certified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
Concrete
In the construction sector, it proves highly beneficial as it serves as a waterproofing agent, enhancing the hydrophobic properties of concrete and cement formulations artillery.Â
Coating and Paint
The Global Market Overview
The market is projected to reach an estimated value of $2.1 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand in different applications and industries.
Plastics are expected to dominate the market and experience the highest growth rate. This is due to the widespread use of plastics in the polymer industry, where zinc stearate is utilized as a lubricant, mold release agent, densifying agent, and stabilizer component. PVC and master-batch production, in particular, heavily rely on zinc stearate.
The construction industry remains the largest end-use market for zinc stearate. The demand for non-toxic hydrophobic agents for long-term protection is increasing in this sector. Zinc stearate provides the properties needed for this purpose, making it a popular choice.
Refer to detailed figures:Â here
Conclusion
Zinc stearate is a versatile compound with diverse applications across industries ranging from plastics and paints to pharmaceuticals. Its lubricating, stabilizing, and flatting properties make it indispensable in numerous manufacturing processes.
By understanding the properties, applications, and manufacturing process, professionals can harness its potential to optimize product performance and quality. As continue to explore the evolving landscape of chemical compounds, Zinc stearate stands out as a cornerstone of innovation.
