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Aluminum Distearate is a chemical compound that consists of aluminum salts of stearic acid.
It is often used as a stabilizer, lubricant, and thickening agent in various applications, such as in the cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and plastics industries.
Cas number
637-12-7
Synonyms:
Aluminum Stearate,Distearic Acid Aluminum Salt,Aluminum Stearate (2:1),Aluminyum stearat
Introduction
Definition:
Aluminum distearate is a chemical compound formed from aluminum salts of stearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid (C18H36O2).
It is a white, waxy powder, insoluble in water, but soluble in hot organic solvents.
Aluminum distearate is commonly used as a lubricant, stabilizer, and emulsifying agent in various applications, including the manufacturing of cosmetics, plastics, lubricants, and as a mold-release agent in the production of rubber and plastics.
History:
The development of aluminum distearate began in the early 20th century when the potential for aluminum salts in industrial applications was realized.
The use of stearic acid derivatives as stabilizing agents, emulsifiers, and lubricants became more common as industrial needs for efficient processing and formulation expanded, especially in the manufacturing of rubber, cosmetics, and plastics.
Uses:
In modern applications, aluminum distearate is employed in:
Lubricants: Enhancing the performance of metalworking fluids and grease formulations.
Cosmetics: Acting as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer in formulations such as creams, lotions, and deodorants.
Plastics: Improving the processing of PVC and other resins, aiding in heat stability and mold release.
Rubber: Used as a mold-release agent and to improve the processing characteristics of rubber compounds.
Paints and Coatings: Serving as a dispersing agent and improving the texture and spreadability.
Chemical Properties
Molecular Structure:
The molecular structure of aluminum distearate consists of aluminum (Al) cations bonded to two stearate anions (C18H35COO−), forming an ionic lattice.
The aluminum ion has a coordination number of six, meaning it is surrounded by six stearate ions. This arrangement gives the compound its characteristic properties, including its solid, waxy appearance and high melting point.
Chemical Formula:
The molecular formula of aluminum distearate is Al(C18H35COO)2.
This formula highlights the two stearate anions per aluminum ion, and the compound's chemical structure reflects a stable ionic bonding between the aluminum ion and the stearate molecules.
Reactivity:
Aluminum distearate is relatively stable under normal conditions.
It does not react with water, making it useful as a water-insoluble emulsifier.
However, it can decompose at high temperatures, particularly in the presence of strong acids or bases.
Its reactivity is primarily limited to forming salts or complexes with other acids or bases under specific conditions.
Physical Properties:
Appearance: White to off-white powder, sometimes with a slight yellowish tint.
Melting Point: Generally ranges between 130°C and 150°C, depending on the purity.
Density: Around 1.1-1.3 g/cm³.
Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in hot organic solvents such as xylene or toluene.
Odor: It has no significant odor.
Refractive Index: Relatively high due to the waxy consistency of the compound.
Production Methods
Synthesis:
Aluminum distearate is typically synthesized through the reaction of aluminum salts (often aluminum chloride or aluminum sulfate) with stearic acid or its sodium or potassium salt.
The reaction occurs in a controlled environment, with heat applied to facilitate the formation of aluminum distearate.
The stearate ions coordinate with aluminum ions, forming the solid waxy substance.
Raw Materials:
Stearic Acid: A naturally occurring fatty acid derived from animal fats or vegetable oils.
Aluminum Source: Aluminum chloride (AlCl3), aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3), or aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3).
Manufacturing Process:
Step 1: Stearic acid is heated to a high temperature (approximately 180°C to 200°C) to make it more reactive.
Step 2: The aluminum salt (e.g., aluminum chloride) is then added to the heated stearic acid.
Step 3: The mixture is allowed to react under controlled conditions, and the aluminum ions bond with the stearate ions to form aluminum distearate.
Step 4: The product is purified by washing with organic solvents to remove any impurities or unreacted materials.
Step 5: The final product is then dried and processed into a fine powder or pellet form for industrial use.
Applications
Industrial Applications:
Lubricants: Aluminum distearate is used as a lubricant in metalworking fluids and as a thickening agent in grease formulations.
It provides excellent friction-reducing properties and helps prevent wear and tear on machinery.
Plastics: In PVC and other polymer production, aluminum distearate acts as a stabilizer, preventing degradation under heat and light exposure.
It also facilitates better processing by improving flow and reducing friction in molds.
Rubber: As a mold-release agent in rubber production, it helps ease the removal of rubber products from molds, improving the overall manufacturing process and product quality.
Biotechnological Uses:
While not widely used in biotechnology, aluminum distearate may have applications in the stabilization of certain formulations or in medical-grade lubricants, especially in devices like catheters or diagnostic tools where smooth, non-stick surfaces are essential.
Environmental Applications:
Aluminum distearate is also considered for use in environmental applications, particularly in the treatment of wastewater.
Its ability to bind with certain metals can help remove heavy metals from contaminated water.
Other Practical Uses:
Cosmetics: Used as a thickener and stabilizer in lotions, creams, and deodorants.
Paints and Coatings: Aluminum distearate is used as a dispersing agent in paint formulations, improving the stability and uniformity of color in liquid paints.
Benefits and Limitations
Advantages:
Thermal Stability: Aluminum distearate remains stable under high-temperature conditions, making it useful in high-performance lubricants and plastics.
Non-toxic: It has low toxicity, making it suitable for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
Emulsification and Stabilization: It effectively stabilizes emulsions, aiding in the formation of smooth, consistent formulations.
Drawbacks:
Limited Water Solubility: Its lack of solubility in water can be a disadvantage in certain applications where water-based systems are required.
Environmental Concerns: Although not highly toxic, aluminum distearate’s accumulation in the environment can cause long-term issues due to its persistence and potential to form complexes with other metals.
Environmental Impact
Effects on the Environment:
Aluminum distearate is generally considered to have a low environmental impact, especially when used in small quantities in industrial applications.
However, its disposal must be handled carefully to avoid accumulation in water bodies, where it can affect aquatic life by interacting with metals and other compounds.
Management:
Waste Treatment: Proper disposal methods include incineration or secure landfilling. Care should be taken to prevent any leakage into water systems.
Regulations: Compliance with environmental standards for chemical disposal and release into ecosystems is crucial to minimize harm.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT ALUMINYUM DISTEARAT
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
