Metal Soaps

Advantages

Wide variety of product forms
Global availability
Derivatives from animal or vegetable raw materials
High cost efficiency

Metal soaps are derived from long-chain fatty acids and a metal oxide compound. The fatty acids, in turn, are derived from a triglyceride (natural fats and vegetable oils, i.e. renewable feedstocks). Metal soaps – commonly known as metallic stearates – can be produced using various synthesis methods, e.g. precipitation and melting processes.

Baerlocher offers an extensive portfolio of metal soaps with diverse properties. The portfolio includes calcium stearate, zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium stearate and aluminum stearate. These products can be employed as acid scavengers, stabilizers, lubricants and release agents, among other applications, and some are ideally suited for use as gelling or hydrophobic agents. Metal soaps can enhance production processes, and, in many cases, they enable manufacturers to develop products with smooth surfaces and low friction.

Applications in diverse industries

In the plastics industry, metal soaps are used in the manufacture of PVC products, and during the processing of numerous plastics, including polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS and fiber-reinforced plastics (SMC, BMC).

Metal soaps are also used in many other fields, and for a wide range of purposes:

Building industry:

Hydrophobic agent

Paint / finish industry:

Matting agent and abrasive

Grease industry:

Thickener for the production of lubricants and lubricating greases

Rubber industry:

Vulcanization aid, release agent and lubricant

Paper industry:

Lubricant and release agent for sandpaper, chelating agent for pigments

Metal industry:

Lubricant and release agent for powder metallurgy, wire drawing and tube drawing

Stationery and modeling clay:

Lubricant for pencil leads and modeling clay Metal soaps are available in a variety of physical forms, such as powder, flakes, and sprayed granules that are easy to disperse and free-flowing. Other forms include pastilles and granules.

Product Forms

Metal soaps are available in a variety of physical forms, such as powder, flakes, and sprayed prills that are easy to disperse and free-flowing. Other forms include pastilles and granules.