Calcium stearate is acarboxylate salt ofcalcium, classified as a calciumsoap. The salt is a component of somelubricants,surfactants, as well as many foodstuffs. It is a white waxy powder.[1]
It is also the main component ofsoap scum, a white solid that forms when soap is mixed withhard water. Unlike soaps containing sodium and potassium, calcium stearate is insoluble in water and does not lather well.[2]Commercially it is sold as a 50% dispersion in water or as a spray dried powder. As afood additive it is known by the genericE number E470.
Calcium stearate is a waxy material with low solubility in water, unlike traditional sodium and potassium soaps. It is also easy and cheap to produce, and exhibits low toxicity. These attributes are the basis of many of its applications. Related applications exist for the magnesium stearate.[1]
Calcium stearate is used as a flow agent and surface conditioner in some candies such asSmarties,jawbreakers andSprees.
The concrete industry uses calcium stearate forefflorescence control of cementitious products used in the production of concrete masonry units i.e.paver and block, as well aswaterproofing.[3]
In paper production, calcium stearate is used as a lubricant to provide good gloss, preventing dusting and fold cracking in paper and paperboard making.[4]
In plastics, it can act as an acid scavenger or neutralizer at concentrations up to 1000ppm, a lubricant and a release agent. It may be used inplastic colorant concentrates to improve pigment wetting. In rigid PVC, it can accelerate fusion, improve flow, and reduce die swell.
Applications in the personal care andpharmaceutical industry include tablet mold release, anti-tack agent, and gelling agent.
Calcium stearate is a component in some types ofdefoamers.
^US 5527383, Flynn, Gregory J.; Krasniewski, John M. & Wilson Jr., Joseph, "Lubricant additives for paper coating compositions", published 1996-06-18, assigned toHenkel Corp.
