Stearic acid

Stearic acid

1-Heptadecanecarboxylic acid; Octadecanoic acid; Stearophanic acid

CAS 57-11-4

Chemical Formula C18H36O2

Molecular Weight 284.48 g/mol

Stearic acid is a versatile fatty acid derived from animal fats or vegetable oils. It is widely used in various industries, including personal care, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications. It acts as an emulsifier, thickener, and lubricant in cosmetics and skincare products, while in food, it serves as a stabilizer and texture enhancer. In industrial uses, it is found in rubber processing, candles, and metal treatment. Its ability to improve texture, stability, and lubrication makes it an essential ingredient in many formulations.

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Industrial Uses

1. Food & Healthcare Ingredients 

  • Emulsifiers: Stearic acid is a fatty acid with both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and lipophilic (fat-attracting) properties. As an emulsifier, it has a long hydrophobic tail (the fatty acid chain) and a hydrophilic head (the carboxyl group). The hydrophobic tail binds to oil, while the hydrophilic head interacts with water. 
  • Stabilizer & Thickener: It helps maintain the consistency and uniformity of food products, preventing ingredient separation in items like chocolates, margarine, and processed foods. Stearic acid contributes to the viscosity and texture of food formulations, improving the mouthfeel and stability of products like creams, sauces, and confectionery.

2. Personal Care

  • Mulsifying Agent: Stearic acid is commonly used as an emulsifier in creams, lotions, and cosmetics to stabilize the mixture of water and oils. It helps maintain the consistency and texture of these products.
  • Thickener: It acts as a thickening agent, giving cosmetics like creams and lotions their desired viscosity and texture.
  • Skin Conditioning: Stearic acid helps soften and smooth the skin, making it a useful ingredient in moisturizers and body care products.

3. Cleaning & Disinfectants Solutions

  • Surfactant: Stearic acid is used in detergents and cleaning products due to its surfactant properties. It helps break down grease and dirt, making it easier for the cleaning product to work effectively.
  • Emulsifier: It is used in liquid soaps and industrial cleaners to help stabilize emulsions and improve the performance of the product.

4. Fabric Solutions

  • Lubricant in Textile Manufacturing: Stearic acid is used as a lubricant during the manufacturing of textiles. It reduces friction and wear in machinery, allowing for smoother and more efficient fabric production.
  • Finish for Fabrics: It is also used in fabric finishing processes, providing a soft and smooth texture to the fabric.

5. Paints & Coatings

  • Flow Control Agent: Stearic acid is used in paints and coatings to control the flow and leveling properties of the paint. It helps the paint spread evenly on surfaces and improves the appearance of the finish.
  • Matting Agent: It is also used in the production of matte finishes in paints and coatings by reducing gloss levels.
  • Anti-settling Agent: Stearic acid helps prevent the settling of pigments and fillers in paints and coatings, ensuring the product remains homogeneous.

Specifications

Assay ≥ 98%
Appearance White flakes
Odor Faint fatty odor
Boiling Point 360°C (680°F)
Melting Point 69.6°C (157.3°F)
Density 0.847 g/cm³
Solubility InSoluble in water, Highly Soluble in organic solvents.
Viscosity Not applicable (Solid form)
Flash Point 250°C (482°F)

Hazard Symbols

Irritants/Sensitisers/Other Hazards
Environmental Hazard

FAQs

1. What is the current price of Stearic acid in India?
The price of Stearic acid can vary based on factors such as purity, quantity, etc. For the most accurate and competitive pricing, please contact us at +91.979 979 2121 directly for a customized quote tailored to your needs.

2. Where can I buy Stearic acid in India?
You can purchase Stearic acid from MULTICHEM, a leading importer with a reputation for quality and reliability. We provide convenient options for bulk orders and direct shipments across India. For more details on how to place an order, please visit our website or contact our sales team.

3. What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Stearic acid ?
Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Stearic acid is designed to cater to both small-scale and large-scale needs. The MOQ depends on the packing size of the product which could range from 25 kg to 250kg.

4. How can I ensure the quality of Stearic acid supplied by Multichem ?                      
We adhere to stringent quality control processes to ensure that our products meet the highest standards of purity and effectiveness. They undergo rigorous testing and quality checks to guarantee that they comply with industry specifications. We provide a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with every shipment to ensure transparency and quality assurance.