ALUMINIUM STEARATE | CAS 637-12-7

Product Overview

Aluminium Stearate (CAS: 637-12-7) is an aluminium salt of stearic acid, belonging to the metallic soap family. It appears as a white to off-white, waxy powder that is hydrophobic, insoluble in water, and soluble in mineral spirits or hot oil. The compound features a long-chain C18 alkyl moiety paired with a metal carboxylate framework that imparts amphiphilic character and low water solubility. Aluminium stearate is widely used as a thickening agent, gelling agent, lubricant, waterproofing agent, and stabilizer across multiple industries.

Product Description

Aluminium stearate is a white to off-white powder that exhibits strong hydrophobic and lubricating properties. It is practically insoluble in water and forms stable gels when dispersed in organic solvents such as mineral spirits or xylene. The compound acts as a thickener and rheology modifier by forming structured networks and lamellar-like associations that influence viscosity and suspension stability in various formulations.

The product is available in multiple purity grades, ranging from technical grade to high-purity grades (99% – 99.999%), to meet diverse industrial and research requirements.

Technical Specifications

Applications

Paints & Coatings

Aluminium stearate is widely used in the paint and coating industry as a pigment suspension aid, flow control agent, and flatting agent. It acts as a gelling agent for alkyd paints and improves the thixotropic properties of coating films. It also functions as a anti-settling agent and drier in paint formulations.

Plastics & PVC

Aluminium stearate serves as a heat stabilizer and lubricant for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics. It is also involved in the preparation of polyamides and thermosetting plastics.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

In cosmetic formulations, aluminium stearate functions as a thickener, emulsifier, and rheology modifier. It is used in creams, lotions, emulsions, and anhydrous systems to influence viscosity and suspension stability. It also serves as a surface treatment agent and waterproofing agent in powder cosmetics.

Printing Inks

Aluminium stearate is employed in printing inks for pigment suspension, flow control, and reducing tack in flexographic and lithographic inks.

Rubber & Elastomers

Used as a release agent, softener, and lubricant in the rubber industry.

Waterproofing & Construction

Functions as a waterproofing additive in cements, building materials, and for natural stone surfaces. It is also used for waterproofing fabrics and ropes.

Lubricants & Greases

Acts as a thickening agent for lubricating oils and is used in greases, cutting compounds, and as a lubricant in wire drawing applications.

Pharmaceuticals

Used as a retarder for polysulfide dental impression materials and in pharmaceutical formulations.

Other Applications

• Defoamer: Used as a defoaming agent in oil drilling fluids, beet sugar processing, and yeast processing

• Metal Protection: Used in rust preventatives and as a corrosion inhibitor in oily media

• Light-Sensitive Compositions: Used in photographic compositions

• Ceramics: Used in the production of varnishes and ceramics

Key Benefits

• Excellent thickening and gelling properties in organic systems

• Strong hydrophobic and water-repellent characteristics

• Effective pigment suspension and flow control agent

• Heat stabilization and lubrication for PVC and plastics

• Versatile applications across paints, coatings, plastics, cosmetics, and more

• Available in multiple purity grades (99% – 99.999%)

• Forms stable gels in mineral spirits and organic solvents

• Good compatibility with a wide range of formulations

• Improves thixotropic properties and suspension stability

Packaging Options

Storage Recommendations:

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area

• Keep container tightly closed

• Keep away from incompatible materials and ignition sources

• Protect containers from physical damage