Calcium stearate

chemical properties

Calcium stearate is a white, odorless powder that is insoluble in water and slightly soluble in hot ethanol. It serves various purposes across different industries.

Anti-caking agent

Anti-caking agent, also known as caking inhibitor, is used to prevent the particles and powdered food from aggregation and agglomeration, maintaining its loose or free flowing substances. 

Toxicity

ADI unrestrictive provision (FAO/WHO，2001). GRAS(FDA，§184.1229, 2000).

Limitation of utilization

FAO/WHO (1984): coated with glucose powder, sucrose powder and stock cube, etc. 15g/kg. GB 2760-1996: chewing gum base, GMP limit. In USA, it is used for beet sugar, pressed candies, garlic salt, meat tenderizer, dry molasses, salad prefabricated powder, spice powder, yeast.

Uses

In the realm of plastics and rubber, calcium stearate functions as a lubricant for resin colors and molding products, as well as a release agent for phenolic and amino thermosetting plastics. It is also employed as a thickening agent in grease formulations and as a waterproofing agent in textiles. In the food industry, food-grade calcium stearate acts as an anti-caking agent, preventing the aggregation and agglomeration of powdered or crystalline food products, ensuring free-flowing characteristics. While China's regulations currently only permit potassium ferrocyanide for use as an anti-caking agent in salt, international regulations allow the use of calcium stearate for coating glucose powder, sucrose powder, and stock cubes, with a maximum allowable amount of 15 g/kg according to FAO/WHO regulations. Additionally, calcium stearate finds applications in medicine, cosmetics, and as a plastic additive, serving as a lubricant, emulsifier, stabilizer, release agent, and accelerator. In its various uses, calcium stearate plays a role in enhancing the properties and performance of diverse materials.

Production methods

Firstly melted stearic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide solution to form a dilute soap, then reacted with calcium chloride, Calcium stearate crude is obtained, followed by washed, swirling water, drying, finished product is obtained. Kg/ton stearate, 920 sodium hydroxide (100% discount) 140 Calcium chloride (100% discount) 400. After food grade sodium stearate interacts with calcium chloride solution, follow by filtered and refined.

Category

Toxic substance

Toxicity grading

Low toxicity

Acute toxicity

Oral-rat LD50:> 10000 mg/kg; Oral-mouse LD50:> 10000 mg/kg.

Flammability hazard characteristics

A public dust hazard; acrid smoke is generated by thermal decomposition.

Storage Characteristics

Storehouse keeps low temperature, dry and ventilated.

Extinguishing agent

Water

Occupational standards

TWA 10 mg/m3

Definition

Variable proportions of calcium stearate and calcium palmitate.

Hazard

A nuisance dust.

Flammability and Explosibility

Notclassified

Safety Profile

A nuisance dust. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Safety

Calcium stearate is used in oral pharmaceutical formulations and is generally regarded as a relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material.

storage

Calcium stearate is stable and should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.

Regulatory Status

GRAS listed. Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (oral capsules and tablets). Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.

Who Evaluation

Evaluation year: 1985