Stearic Acid 1860 Rubber Grade

Brief Overview
Stearic acid chemicals known as octadecanoic acid is one of the most common and useful types of saturated fatty acids found in combined form in natural animal and vegetable fats. It is a waxy white solid with a chemical formula of CH₃(CH₂)₁₆CO₂H and a molar mass of 284.48 g/mol. Esters and salts of stearic acid are known as stearate. Stearic Acid found commercially is a mixture of approximately equal amounts of stearic and palmitic acids and small amounts of oleic acid. Naturally stearic acid occurs as a mixed triglyceride, or fat, with other long-chain acids and as an ester of fatty alcohol. It is found more abundantly in animal fat than in vegetable fat.

Manufacturing Process

The rubber-grade stearic acid is manufactured by the hydrolysis process of oil and fats under high pressure and temperature. The products produced by hydrolysis are chains of fatty acids and glycerols. The next step is the removal of glycerol and other byproducts through the process of washing. The remaining fatty acids are distilled in a distillation column to purify the product of stearic acid. Distillation allows the chain of fatty acids to evaporate and condense each at a specific boiling point temperature. The concentrated product of stearic acid is packaged and ready for use. 

Rubber Industry

The rubber industry utilizes stearic acid to enhance tire performance and quality.

Chemical Industry

The rubber-grade stearic acid is utilized as a dispersing agent. The compound has the ability to separate colloidal particles to prevent clumping and aggregation and improve separation.

Textile and Rubber Industry

The plasticizing properties of stearic acid are used to enhance the plasticity and softening of the texture of rubber tires. Stearic acid lubricating properties are used in rubber and PVC processing. The mechanical movement of machinery produces friction and heat, lubricating agents with high heat capacity are required to prevent overheating and mechanical failure.