Calcium stearate demonstrates diverse industrial applications leveraging its excellent lubricity, water resistance and thermal stability. In the plastics and rubber industry, as an internal lubricant, it reduces friction between resins and equipment, alleviates melt fracture during extrusion of PVC, PE and other plastics, enhances surface smoothness of products, and improves compound fluidity in rubber mixing. As a release agent and heat stabilizer, it prevents plastic adhesion to molds during injection molding and delays thermal degradation of PVC during high-temperature processing.
In coatings and inks, calcium stearate improves coating slip and scratch resistance, commonly used in furniture paints and metal anticorrosive coatings, while enhancing flow leveling of printing inks for clearer graphics. It also forms hydrophobic structures in water-based coatings to boost water resistance and maintains system uniformity by inhibiting pigment sedimentation.
In construction and building materials, as a cement additive, calcium stearate penetrates pores to form hydrophobic films, significantly improving impermeability of concrete and precast components for waterproof projects like underground pipes and bridge piers. In gypsum board and artificial stone molding, it acts as a release agent to prevent adhesion and imparts smooth texture to products.
In textile and leather processing, calcium stearate forms hydrophobic layers on fabrics through padding or coating, endowing outdoor workwear and tent fabrics with water resistance. In leather post-treatment, it penetrates fiber gaps to enhance softness, fullness and water barrier properties.
In metal processing, calcium stearate serves as an emulsifier in cutting fluids to stabilize oil-water systems and forms adsorption films on metal surfaces for lubrication and rust prevention. In daily chemicals, it acts as a thickener and lubricant in lip balms and hand creams, improving texture and moldability, while imparting water resistance to sunscreen lotions and waterproof cosmetics.