🧴 STEARIC ACID – SUMMARY
🔹 What is Stearic Acid?
A saturated long-chain fatty acid with chemical formula C₁₈H₃₆O₂.
It’s a solid, waxy substance at room temperature.
Found naturally in animal fats and vegetable oils (like palm oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter).
Commonly used as a raw material in cosmetics, detergents, plastics, and food industries.
🔹 Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White, waxy solid |
| Melting Point | ~69–70°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol and ether |
| Molecular Weight | 284.48 g/mol |
🔹 How is Stearic Acid Produced?
Derived from hydrolysis or saponification of fats and oils.
Often isolated during fatty acid distillation in vegetable oil refining.
Major sources:
Palm oil
Tallow (animal fat)
Cocoa butter and others
🔹 Major Applications
| Industry | Use Cases |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Soaps, lotions, creams, deodorants (emulsifier, thickener) |
| Plastic & Rubber | Lubricant, softener, release agent |
| Food Industry | Additive, emulsifier |
| Pharmaceuticals | Tablet coating, excipient |
| Candles | Hardener and structure |
| Detergents | Surfactant and thickener |
🔹 Market Overview
High demand in personal care and cosmetic products.
Growing usage in biodegradable plastics and green chemistry.
Stearic acid derived from vegetable oils preferred due to sustainability concerns.
✅ Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Source | Palm oil, animal fats (tallow) |
| Form | White waxy solid |
| Function | Emulsifier, thickener, lubricant |
| Key Markets | Cosmetics, plastics, food |