Zinc stearate is a non-toxic ingredient in paints and other polymeric products. Its physical and chemical properties make it useful in many applications, including the pharmaceutical and rubber industries. Its primary use is as a heat stabilizer, usually in PVC resin. PVC is the second most commonly used plastic in the world and is used for its flame retardant and abrasion-resistant properties. Read this article to know the properties of zinc stearate.
Flammable:
Flammable zinc stearate is a chemical that is toxic to the respiratory system. It is produced by a process called vulcanization. The metal can also cause lung fibrosis. There have been many reports describing the health effects of zinc stearate in people who work with it. The toxicity of zinc stearate has been investigated by several scientists.
Insoluble in water:
Zinc stearate is an insoluble white solid that is widely used in industry. It is a hydrophobic material that is not soluble in water, alcohols, polar solvents, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Its properties make it suitable for a variety of applications. For example, it is used as a lubricant and mold release agent in the plastics and rubber industries.
Water repellent:
Zinc stearate is a white, hydrophobic, lipophilic solid that is commonly used in the cosmetics and plastics industries. It is also an effective mold release agent. Zinc stearate has a variety of other uses, including in the food, rubber, and paint industries. It is also used as a thickening agent and viscosity control agent in the cosmetics industry.
Synergistic effect with calcium stearate:
To improve the thermal stability of polyvinyl chloride, zinc stearate and calcium stearate are blended. This process is called co-stabilization. In this process, the two stabilizers have a synergistic effect, and they work together to provide excellent stability for PVC formulations.
Pneumoconiosis:
One study found a link between zinc stearate and pneumoconiosis. The study involved a chemical worker who had been exposed to zinc stearate dust for seven years. The worker was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. The amount of zinc retained in his lungs was 6.2 mg/100 g of dry lung tissue.
Stabilizing effect with barium stearate:
Barium stearate is an insoluble crystalline powder that is used as a lubricant, solvent, and thermal stabilizer in hard plastics. Its high melting point makes it ideal for use as a co-stabilizer in PVC. It is also a useful lubricant for waxes and metalworking plastics. Besides its functional uses in plastics, barium stearate also exhibits good optical stability.
