Stearic Acid — CAS 57-11-4

Description

1. Product Overview

Stearic Acid (CAS 57-11-4) is a high-purity saturated fatty acid widely used as a functional ingredient and processing aid across multiple industrial sectors. Produced from natural fats and oils, it serves as a key raw material for applications including lubricants, rubber processing, plastics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care formulations. Its excellent stability, emulsifying properties, and compatibility with various chemical systems make it a preferred choice for manufacturers seeking reliable performance and cost efficiency. As a globally traded specialty chemical, Stearic Acid remains strategically important due to its broad industrial demand, renewable feedstock potential, and critical role in advanced manufacturing processes.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition: Octadecanoic Acid (C18H36O₂), saturated long-chain fatty acid
• CAS Number: 57-11-4
• Purity Level / Grade:
  • Industrial Grade
  • Technical Grade
  • Cosmetic Grade
  • Pharmaceutical Grade (available upon request)
• Fatty Acid Content: Typically ≥ 90–98% depending on grade specification
• Physical Form: White crystalline flakes, beads, powder, or granules
• Color: White to slightly yellowish appearance
• Odor: Mild fatty odor characteristic of fatty acids
• Melting Point: Approximately 69–70°C
• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents such as alcohols and hydrocarbons
• Density: Approximately 0.84–0.90 g/cm³
• Packaging Options:
  • 25 kg kraft paper bags with PE liner
  • 500 kg–1,000 kg jumbo bags
  • Bulk shipment options available for large-volume orders
• Shelf Life: Typically 24 months when stored in a cool, dry, and well-sealed environment

3. Core Industrial Applications

• Plastics & Polymer Manufacturing:
  Used as a lubricant, mold-release agent, and processing aid in PVC, polyethylene, and other polymer systems to improve flow, surface finish, and production efficiency.
• Rubber Industry:
  Functions as an activator in rubber vulcanization processes, improving dispersion, curing performance, and product consistency.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care:
  Widely applied in creams, lotions, soaps, and emulsions as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, and texture enhancer.
• Metal Processing & Lubricants:
  Used in the production of greases, metal stearates, and industrial lubricants due to its excellent lubricity and thermal stability.
• Pharmaceutical & Food-Related Applications:
  Serves as an excipient and formulation ingredient where approved grades are required for controlled applications.
• Chemical Manufacturing:
  Acts as a precursor for producing stearate salts such as calcium stearate, zinc stearate, and magnesium stearate, which are essential additives in plastics, coatings, and industrial formulations.

Performance Advantages:
Stearic Acid offers superior stability, consistent chemical performance, excellent compatibility, and cost-effective functionality compared with alternative fatty acid-based additives.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Consistent Quality Performance: Manufactured under controlled processes to deliver stable purity, reliable specifications, and batch-to-batch consistency.
• Reliable Global Supply: Supported by established production networks and scalable supply capabilities for industrial buyers worldwide.
• Flexible Logistics Capability: Available in multiple packaging formats with containerized bulk shipment options to meet international procurement requirements.
• Cost Competitiveness: Provides excellent functional performance at an optimized cost compared with synthetic alternatives.
• Sustainability Benefits: Commonly derived from renewable vegetable oils and animal fat sources, supporting sustainable chemical manufacturing initiatives.
• Technical Documentation Support: Available with Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), specification sheets, and quality documentation for industrial compliance.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20 MT
• Loading Capacity: Approximately 20–22 MT per 20-foot container (depending on packaging configuration)