EnglishPolish

Calcium stearate

Description

Calcium stearate is a mixture of stearic acid, synthetic fatty acids and calcium salts. It is a homogeneous powder, white to light yellow in color. It is included in lubricants and surfactants.

Unlike soap, which contains sodium and potassium, calcium stearate is practically insoluble in water and does not lather. It is soluble in hot pyridine, slightly soluble in oils, and insoluble in ether and alcohol. Known as food additive E470, it is non-toxic.

Calcium stearate is produced by heating a mixture of stearic acid, fatty acids and calcium oxide.

Advantages

  • Effective stabilization of PVC, polystyrene, polyolefins and polyamide – protects polymers from thermal degradation during processing and use.
  • Plasticizing effect – improves melt flow and formability, facilitating plastics processing.
  • High hydrophobic properties – imparts water-repellent characteristics to building mixes and coatings, prevents capillary water absorption without reducing air permeability.
  • Anti-agglomerating and lubricating ability – prevents particle caking in synthetic rubbers and press powders.
  • Non-toxic and food-grade approval (E470) – safe for use in packaging and equipment in contact with food products.
  • Additional drying effect – when added to paints and varnishes, helps remove residual moisture.

Applications

  • Production of PVC, polystyrene, polyolefins, polyamide: stabilizer, plasticizer, lubricant.
  • Building and finishing materials based on cement and limestone: hydrophobic additive, increasing mobility of concrete and plaster mixes, reducing efflorescence, protecting façade materials.
  • Cable and pipe thermoplastics: stabilizer and lubricant.
  • Synthetic rubbers: anti-agglomerating additive.
  • Paint and varnish industry: additional desiccant.
  • Cosmetic industry: plasticizer, hydrophobic component.
  • Textile industry: effective hydrophobic treatment.

FAQ

Ordinary soap contains sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids and dissolves well in water, forming foam. Calcium stearate is practically insoluble in water, does not lather, and exhibits hydrophobic properties, making it useful as a water-repellent additive.

Yes, it is non-toxic and approved as food additive E470. When handling the powder, avoid inhaling dust.

When added to dry mixes, it imparts water-repellent properties to the hardened mortar, prevents capillary water absorption and efflorescence formation, without reducing the material’s air permeability. It is particularly recommended for façade materials and wet-room applications.

It is commercially available as a dry powder or as a 50% aqueous dispersion. The choice depends on the method of incorporation into the product.