Stearic Acid, a waxy white solid with a mild smell, is colorless and transparent. It dissolves slightly in water but is easily soluble in oils, so it floats. Stearic Acid, long-chain fatty acid, is also known as Octadecanoic Acid. This important saturated fatty acid is the main component of Shea and Cocoa butter. Stear is a Greek term meaning “tallow” because it is often derived from natural animal fats and by-products. However, Stearic Acid can also be extracted from the fatty components of plants, making it suitable for natural formulations. Lithium stearate, a lithium salt of the stearic acid, is what you would call it. It is made from lithium hydroxide and cooking tallow, or any other animal fat.
It is used to lubricate general-purpose machinery and equipment, with high water resistance. Lithium stearate can be used at high and low temperatures. This makes it a versatile lubricating grease that is widely used in many industries. Lithium stearate can be used in general-purpose lubricating oils, as well as plastic industry stabilizers. This compound can also be used to inhibit corrosion in petroleum due to its properties.
How Does Stearic Aid Work?
Stearic Acid can be used as the base for other ingredients, such as lubricants and emollients. Stearic Acid can be used in emulsions as a stabilizer, thickener, and softener. It also contributes to a cooling sensation. It can also be used to give lubricants a pearly finish.
Benefits From Stearic Acid
Stearic Acid is used to harden soap bars and candles, allowing them to produce a rich lather that feels silky. This makes it ideal to use in shaving creams. It has occlusive properties that help the skin stay hydrated by slowing or preventing moisture loss from the skin’s surface.
Applications To Stearic Acid
Shampoos, Soaps, Body Washes, and Facial Cleansers
Stearic Acid derivatives can be added to soap formulas to act as thickeners. They harden the formulas to solids and help eliminate the runny feel of watered-down soaps. Their surfactant activity helps to reduce the oil’s surface tension, making it easier for water molecules and oil molecules to mix well. Stearic Acid helps to prevent emulsions from separating into separate layers of oil and water. This increases product effectiveness and extends its shelf life. Final products containing Stearic Acid don’t need to be shaken as vigorously before use. Stearic Acid is a natural cleanser that works on the skin and hair to remove excess oil, sweat, and grime. Its cleansing properties make it a good addition to soap bars, face and skin washes, shampoos, and laundry detergents. The final product is enhanced with conditioning properties and lasts longer due to its preservative ability. Stearic Acid can be added to shampoo formulations to act as a protective conditioner, which helps to make hair soft, shiny, and light.
Here are some examples of the many uses that lithium stearate can be used for:
- It can be used to thicken natural and synthetic oils.
- It is ideal for manufacturing lightweight metal molds.
- It is a thicker lubricating oil, which makes it ideal for high-temperature applications.
- It can increase the melting points and improve the elasticity of microcrystalline waxes.
- Lithium stearate is more stable than other sodium and potassium soaps, with a melting point of 22 degrees Celsius (compared to 140 degrees Celsius).
- It is extremely resistant to corrosion and rust.
Looking For Quality Raw Chemicals, Materials, Or Products?
Do you need high-quality raw materials to make grease and lubricant additives? You should check out The Bisley Group a lithium stearate supplier. We have over 30 years of experience in the industry and have supplied many multinationals as well independent grease manufacturers.