Calcium stearates, which are recognized as physiologically safe, have become increasingly important in the last few years. They are insoluble in most solvents. They dissolve only slightly when heated in aromatic compounds, chlorinated hydrocarbons or vegetable and mineral oils and waxes. Calcium stearates are mainly used as lubricants, mold release agents and acid scavengers by the plastics industry. The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry uses calcium stearate as an anti-caking additive for powders and granules and as an excipient for pressing tablets. The building industry uses it as hydrophobic agent for inhibiting moisture absorption and preservation of building materials and construction.
Calcium Stearate is used by the rubber and plastic industries as an effective elastomer processing aid and release agent. The low chloride content of Calcium Stearate allows for complete product dispersion in elastomers. Calcium Stearate reduces extruder pressure build-up of rigid PVC compounds when used as a processing aid during the manufacture of pipe, siding and injection molded fittings. The low chloride content of Calcium Stearate meets the quality and processing demands of polyolefin, polystyrene and polyester manufacture.