Stearic Acid Rubber Grade
Manufacturing Process
The rubber grade stearic acid is manufactured by the hydrolysis process of oil and fats under high pressure and temperature. The products produced by the hydrolysis are chains of fatty acids and glycerols. The next step is the removal of glycerol and other byproducts through the process of washing. The remaining fatty acids are distilled in a distillation column to purify the product of stearic acid. Distillation allows the chain of fatty acids to evaporate and condense each at specific boiling point temperature. The concentrated product of stearic acid is packaged and ready for use.
Applications
The rubber industry utilizes stearic acid to enhance tire performance and quality. Rubber grade stearic acid is utilized as a dispersing agent. The compound has the ability to separate colloidal particles to prevent clumping and aggregation and improve separation. The platicising properties of stearic acid is used to enhance plasticity and softening of the texture of rubber tires.
Stearic acid lubricating properties are used in rubber and PVC processing. The mechanical movement of machinery produces friction and heat, lubricating agents with high heat capacity are required to prevent overheating and mechanical failure.