E470a CALCIUM STEARATE

E470a Calcium Stearate is the calcium salt of stearic acid, a white to yellowish-white, fine, waxy, odorless powder classified as a metallic soap, with the formula Ca(C₁₇H₃₅COO)₂.
E470a Calcium Stearate works as an anti-caking agent, lubricant, mold release agent, acid scavenger, heat-stabilizing auxiliary, waterproofing agent, flow aid and pigment dispersant in the food, plastics, rubber, construction, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paper, coating and textile industries.
E470a Calcium Stearate is approved as a food additive in the European Union as E470a, is regarded as GRAS by the US FDA and has an ADI of "not specified" from JECFA.

CAS Number: 1592-23-0
EC Number: 216-472-8
Molecular Formula: C₃₆H₇₀CaO₄
Molecular Weight: 607.02 g/mol

Synonyms: Calcium Distearate, Calcium Octadecanoate, Calcium Dioctadecanoate, Calcium Bis(stearate), Calcium Bis(octadecanoate), Stearic Acid Calcium Salt, Octadecanoic Acid Calcium Salt, Calcium Soap, E470a, INS 470(i), Calstar, Aquacal, Flexichem CS, Stavinor 30, Witco G 339S, Nopcote C 104, Arestab CA, Ceasit I, Darapel, Daiwax C, Synpro Stearate, Radiastar 1060, Baerlocher 5862, Parteck LUB-CST, Listab Ca, Leaguestar 600, Nissan Calcium Stearate S, CAS 1592-23-0

E470a Calcium Stearate consists of a calcium cation (Ca²⁺) ionically bonded to two stearate anions (C₁₇H₃₅COO⁻), which makes it a salt of the saturated C18 fatty acid stearic acid.
E470a Calcium Stearate may also contain calcium palmitate (the C16 fatty acid salt) as a minor component.

E470a Calcium Stearate is derived from stearic acid, a saturated C18 fatty acid found in the glycerides of animal fats and vegetable oils.
E470a Calcium Stearate is mostly produced from vegetable-derived stearic acid (palm, soybean, coconut, cocoa butter, corn and olive oil), and vegetable-based grades suit halal, kosher, vegetarian and vegan applications.

E470a Calcium Stearate is practically insoluble in water because its two C17 chains stop Ca²⁺ from interacting with water, unlike sodium and potassium stearates, which bind only one chain and are water-soluble.
E470a Calcium Stearate therefore forms dispersions rather than solutions in aqueous media and does not lather.

E470a Calcium Stearate is approved in the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 as E470a (sodium, potassium and calcium salts of fatty acids) and carries the Codex Alimentarius number INS 470(i).
E470a Calcium Stearate is GRAS under 21 CFR 184.1229 and other CFR citations, is registered under REACH, and carries no carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity or skin sensitization classification.

Uses of E470a Calcium Stearate:
E470a Calcium Stearate is used in the food industry as an anti-caking agent in dry food mixes, spices, salt, snack foods, confectionery, soft and hard candies, bakery products, dietary and calcium supplements, fats and oils, meat and fish products and dehydrated powders.
E470a Calcium Stearate prevents moisture absorption and clumping in these products and keeps them free-flowing.

E470a Calcium Stearate is used as a flow agent and surface conditioner in candies, and in chewing gum and mints it forms a thin fatty film that keeps the gum from sticking to equipment, packaging or teeth.
E470a Calcium Stearate is used in bakery as a free-flowing dough conditioner that reduces bakery dust and airborne ingredient particles that may be harmful to workers by inhalation.

E470a Calcium Stearate is used in flour enrichment and dough conditioning products together with other dough softeners such as mono- and diglycerides.
E470a Calcium Stearate is used in flour mills to prevent dusting and improve the manageability of flour-based ingredients.

E470a Calcium Stearate is used as a lubricant, mold release agent and anti-adherent in tablet and capsule manufacturing at about 0.5–2%.
E470a Calcium Stearate keeps active ingredients and excipients from sticking to punches, dies and capsule-filling machinery and ensures smooth compression and consistent tablet weight and shape.

E470a Calcium Stearate is used in pharmaceutical formulations as an anti-caking agent, gelling agent and excipient.
E470a Calcium Stearate is used in cosmetics, including face, body and pressed powders, foundations, blushers and eyeshadows, as a lubricant, thickener, adhesion promoter and anti-caking agent.

E470a Calcium Stearate improves powder adhesion, even spreading and compactability in cosmetic powders.
E470a Calcium Stearate is used as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer in skincare creams and lotions, as an abrasive and emulsifier in toothpaste and as a component of bar soaps.

E470a Calcium Stearate is added to plastic resins at 0.5–2% by high-speed mixing as a multifunctional additive.
E470a Calcium Stearate acts as a non-toxic heat stabilizer for PVC by neutralizing the hydrochloric acid released during thermal processing: 2HCl + Ca(stearate)₂ → CaCl₂ + 2 stearic acid.

E470a Calcium Stearate also serves as an internal and external lubricant, mold release agent, acid (halogen) scavenger, pigment wetting agent and processing aid in PVC, PE, PP, PS, ABS, PA, EVA, SMC/BMC and thermosetting plastics.
E470a Calcium Stearate is used in PVC pipes and fittings, profiles, wire and cable compounds, film and sheet, hose and tube, and rigid extrusion formulations.

E470a Calcium Stearate improves thermal processing stability, accelerates fusion, reduces die swell, improves flow and reduces plate-out in PVC.
E470a Calcium Stearate is used in masterbatch, pigment and colorant concentrates to improve pigment wetting, dispersion and lubrication and to reduce binder resin requirements.

E470a Calcium Stearate is mixed into rubber compounds at 1–3% as a lubricant, mold release agent, plasticizer and processing aid.
E470a Calcium Stearate improves flow, surface finish and demolding of rubber seals, gaskets, tubing, automotive floor mats, drainage pipes and molded products, prevents scorching during vulcanization and reduces mixing energy.

E470a Calcium Stearate is used at less than 1% in cement, gypsum and dry-mix mortars as a waterproofing agent and water reducer.
E470a Calcium Stearate improves the water repellency of mixtures and limits efflorescence in paving tiles and concrete blocks, and it is used in precast concrete (emulsion form), mortars, putties, floors, terrazzo and ceramic tiling.

E470a Calcium Stearate is used in paints, coatings and inks as a matting agent, anti-settling agent, dispersant, rheology modifier and thickener.
E470a Calcium Stearate is used in coated paper and coating formulations as a lubricant that enhances gloss, smoothness and hydrophobicity and prevents dusting and fold cracking in paper and paperboard.

E470a Calcium Stearate is used as a lubricant in pencils and wax crayons and as a dry lubricant in the dry drawing of metal wire.
E470a Calcium Stearate gives impermeability and waterproofing to textiles, footwear and rock wool insulation.

E470a Calcium Stearate is a component of defoamers (at 0.5–1% of solid matter) and an anti-caking agent in fertilizer, detergent and chemical powders.
E470a Calcium Stearate is used at about 2% together with zinc stearate as a stabilizer and lubricant in flame retardant panels, false ceilings and composite construction products, including sound-proofing materials.

E470a Calcium Stearate is used at 0.3–1.0% in the feed hopper as a lubricant in the extrusion and laminating of plastics and metals.
E470a Calcium Stearate improves product homogeneity, reduces hot spots and energy consumption and saves raw material.

E470a Calcium Stearate is used as a lubricant for resin-sand mixture compaction in metal foundries and to enhance flow in wood plastic composites.
E470a Calcium Stearate neutralizes acids from degraded polymers in recycled polymer processing.

Benefits or Advantages of E470a Calcium Stearate:
E470a Calcium Stearate delivers anti-caking, lubrication, mold release, acid scavenging, heat stabilization, waterproofing and dispersing functions in a single additive.
E470a Calcium Stearate therefore reduces the number of separate additives needed in food, plastics, rubber, construction and cosmetic formulations.

E470a Calcium Stearate has very low acute toxicity and is non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic, not reproductive toxic and non-sensitizing to the skin.
E470a Calcium Stearate is metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract into stearic acid and calcium, both of which are handled as normal dietary components, and JECFA has assigned an ADI of "not specified".

E470a Calcium Stearate has excellent thermal stability, remaining stable at 160–180°C during high-temperature polymer and PVC processing and decomposing only above about 435°C.
E470a Calcium Stearate is a lead-free, heavy-metal-free PVC heat stabilizer and a safer, environmentally compliant alternative to traditional lead-based stabilizers.

E470a Calcium Stearate is compatible with all major polymer types, including PVC, PE, PP, PS, ABS, PA, EVA, SBR and engineering plastics.
E470a Calcium Stearate is available in vegetable-derived, non-GMO, halal-certified and kosher-certified grades, and in USP/BP/EP/FCC/NF pharmacopeial quality.

E470a Calcium Stearate is available as fine powder, coarse powder, granule or bead, and emulsion, which gives handling flexibility for different compounding and processing methods.
E470a Calcium Stearate emulsion is particularly valued in construction applications where homogeneous spread is required.

Features of E470a Calcium Stearate:
E470a Calcium Stearate is a white to yellowish-white (ivory, cream), fine, free-flowing, waxy, bulky powder that is practically odorless, with a slight characteristic fatty odor.
E470a Calcium Stearate has a density of approximately 1.08–1.12 g/cm³, a bulk density of approximately 200–300 g/L and a melting point of 150–160°C, depending on grade and fatty acid composition.

E470a Calcium Stearate is practically insoluble in water (0.004 g/100 mL at 15°C) and insoluble in cold alcohol, ether, chloroform and acetone.
E470a Calcium Stearate is slightly soluble in hot alcohol and hot vegetable and mineral oils and soluble in hot pyridine.

E470a Calcium Stearate is hydrophobic (XLogP3 approximately 12.51) and strongly repels water.
E470a Calcium Stearate forms stable microfilms on powder, substrate and mold surfaces, which provide the lubrication, release and moisture barrier properties behind its many functions.

E470a Calcium Stearate is sold in grades with different calcium content, ash, free fatty acid, moisture, melting point and density, including food grade (FCC), pharmaceutical grade (USP/BP/EP/NF), standard industrial grades and specialty thermostable high-temperature grades.
E470a Calcium Stearate standard grades contain about 6.5–7.5% calcium.

Chemical Properties of E470a Calcium Stearate:
E470a Calcium Stearate has the IUPAC name calcium bis(octadecanoate), the formula C₃₆H₇₀CaO₄ and an exact mass of 606.490 g/mol.
E470a Calcium Stearate is chemically stable under normal handling and storage conditions and does not decompose under ordinary use.

E470a Calcium Stearate is incompatible with strong acids, which convert it to free fatty acids and calcium salts, and with strong oxidizing agents.
E470a Calcium Stearate does not react with water under normal conditions but dissociates in the gastrointestinal tract into stearate and calcium (Ca²⁺).

E470a Calcium Stearate reacts as a base (calcium soap) with strong acids and as a neutralizer with the hydrochloric acid and other halogen acids released during PVC thermal processing.
E470a Calcium Stearate as a fine dry powder presents a combustible dust hazard in air under specific conditions (minimum ignition energy >4 J) but is not classified as explosive in bulk form.

E470a Calcium Stearate does not undergo hazardous polymerization.
E470a Calcium Stearate thermal decomposition above 435°C produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, calcium oxide (or calcium carbonate), fatty acid decomposition products and irritating organic fumes.

Production of E470a Calcium Stearate:
E470a Calcium Stearate is produced industrially mainly by a dry fusion process, in which stearic acid (typically palm-, soybean- or tallow-derived) is heated with calcium oxide (lime): 2C₁₇H₃₅COOH + CaO → (C₁₇H₃₅COO)₂Ca + H₂O.
E470a Calcium Stearate from this process is discharged, cooled and milled to the required particle size distribution, and no organic solvents are used.

E470a Calcium Stearate is also produced by a wet precipitation process, in which sodium stearate and calcium chloride solutions react in water: CaCl₂ + 2C₁₇H₃₅COONa → (C₁₇H₃₅COO)₂Ca↓ + 2NaCl.
E470a Calcium Stearate from this process is filtered, washed and dried, and the process suits laboratory and specialty production better than large-scale manufacture.

E470a Calcium Stearate quality is controlled by calcium content (5.8–7.5% for standard grades), ash, free fatty acid, loss on drying, melting point, fineness (≥99% through 200 mesh) and iodine number.
E470a Calcium Stearate quality control also covers heavy metals (≤0.004% as Pb), chloride (≤200 mg/kg), sulfate (≤1,000 mg/kg), arsenic (≤1–3 mg/kg), lead (≤2 mg/kg) and microbiological parameters for food grades.

E470a Calcium Stearate is packaged in 20–25 kg polyethylene-lined paper bags and is available as powder, granule or bead, and emulsion (50% dispersion in water).
E470a Calcium Stearate should be stored cool and dry at 15–30°C in tightly sealed packaging, away from moisture, heat, direct sunlight and strong odors, with a typical shelf life of 24–36 months.

SDS of E470a Calcium Stearate:

Stability and Reactivity of E470a Calcium Stearate:

Chemical stability:
E470a Calcium Stearate is stable under recommended storage and handling conditions at 15–30°C in sealed dry packaging.

Reactivity:
E470a Calcium Stearate may react with strong acids, releasing free fatty acids and forming calcium salts, and with strong oxidizing agents.
E470a Calcium Stearate as finely dispersed powder can form combustible dust concentrations in air under specific ignition conditions.

Conditions to avoid:
E470a Calcium Stearate should not be exposed to excessive heat above 160°C during storage, which causes melting and quality degradation.
E470a Calcium Stearate should be kept free of dust clouds and dust accumulation on surfaces, which pose a combustible dust risk.
E470a Calcium Stearate should be kept away from open flames, strong ignition sources, strong oxidizing agents and strong acids.
E470a Calcium Stearate should be protected from moisture during storage, which may cause caking.

Incompatible materials:
E470a Calcium Stearate is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
E470a Calcium Stearate is incompatible with strong acids and other highly reactive chemicals.

Hazardous decomposition products:
E470a Calcium Stearate may release carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
E470a Calcium Stearate may leave calcium oxide or calcium carbonate (inorganic residue), fatty acid decomposition products and irritating organic fumes under fire or severe overheating.

Handling and Storage of E470a Calcium Stearate:

Handling:
E470a Calcium Stearate should be handled according to good industrial hygiene and food safety practice.
E470a Calcium Stearate dust generation should be avoided, with local exhaust ventilation at powder transfer points.
E470a Calcium Stearate handling calls for safety glasses with side protection, or sealed goggles in heavy dust, and a suitable particulate respirator where ventilation cannot control dust.
E470a Calcium Stearate handling areas must be free of eating, drinking and smoking, and hands should be washed thoroughly afterwards.
E470a Calcium Stearate dust should not be allowed to accumulate on elevated surfaces, beams or equipment, and compressed air should not be used to clean it from surfaces.
E470a Calcium Stearate powder on floors should be cleaned up immediately because it creates a slippery surface.

Storage:
E470a Calcium Stearate should be stored in a cool (15–30°C), dry, well-ventilated area in tightly sealed original packaging.
E470a Calcium Stearate should be protected from moisture, direct sunlight, excessive heat and strong odors, and kept away from strong oxidizing agents and strong acids.
E470a Calcium Stearate of food grade must be stored separately from non-food chemicals and protected from contamination.
E470a Calcium Stearate is packaged in 20–25 kg polyethylene-lined kraft paper bags, flexible IBCs or as a 50% dispersion in water (emulsion form).
E470a Calcium Stearate has a shelf life of 24–36 months in original sealed packaging under recommended conditions.

First Aid Measures of E470a Calcium Stearate:

Inhalation:
After inhalation of E470a Calcium Stearate dust, move the person to fresh air and rinse the mouth and nose after significant exposure.
E470a Calcium Stearate exposure that causes coughing, breathing difficulty or persistent throat irritation calls for medical attention.

Skin contact:
After skin contact with E470a Calcium Stearate, wash the skin with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing.
E470a Calcium Stearate is not generally expected to cause significant skin irritation, but medical advice should be sought if dryness or irritation persists.

Eye contact:
After eye contact with E470a Calcium Stearate, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water for at least several minutes while holding the eyelids open.
E470a Calcium Stearate eye contact calls for removal of contact lenses if easy, and for medical attention if irritation, redness or foreign-body sensation persists.

Ingestion:
E470a Calcium Stearate has a low acute oral hazard, since food-grade calcium salts of fatty acids are approved food additives.
After ingestion of E470a Calcium Stearate, rinse the mouth with water, do not induce vomiting unless advised by medical personnel, and seek medical advice if large quantities were swallowed or gastrointestinal symptoms develop.

Firefighting Measures of E470a Calcium Stearate:

Suitable extinguishing media:
E470a Calcium Stearate fires can be fought with dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, water spray or water fog.

Specific hazards:
E470a Calcium Stearate is combustible (reported flash point 162.4°C), and finely dispersed powder can form combustible dust concentrations in air.
E470a Calcium Stearate combustion produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, calcium-containing residues, fatty acid decomposition products and irritating organic fumes, and methods that disperse settled powder should not be used.

Protective equipment for firefighters:
E470a Calcium Stearate fires require firefighters to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.

Firefighting instructions:
E470a Calcium Stearate dust should not be dispersed, and ignition sources should be controlled.
E470a Calcium Stearate containers exposed to fire should be cooled with water spray, and firefighting run-off should be kept out of drains and waterways.

Accidental Release Measures of E470a Calcium Stearate:

Personal precautions:
E470a Calcium Stearate dust formation and inhalation should be avoided, and a dust mask should be worn.
E470a Calcium Stearate spills of large quantities of fine dust call for control of ignition sources.
E470a Calcium Stearate powder on floors creates a slipping hazard and should be contained immediately, using an industrial vacuum suitable for fine powders rather than sweeping that disperses dust.

Environmental precautions:
E470a Calcium Stearate should not enter drains or surface water in large quantities.
E470a Calcium Stearate has very low water solubility, and large releases may produce hydrophobic deposits.

Methods for cleaning up:
E470a Calcium Stearate spills should be swept or vacuumed carefully with an industrial vacuum, without generating airborne dust or using compressed air.
E470a Calcium Stearate collected material should be transferred to labeled waste containers and disposed of according to local regulations, and uncontaminated product may be recovered for reuse.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of E470a Calcium Stearate:

Engineering controls:
E470a Calcium Stearate operations need adequate general and local exhaust ventilation at bag opening, mixing, blending and packaging stations.
E470a Calcium Stearate airborne dust should be kept as low as reasonably achievable, observing applicable limits for inhalable and respirable dust.

Eye protection:
E470a Calcium Stearate handling calls for safety glasses with side protection, or sealed goggles where heavy dust is present.

Hand protection:
E470a Calcium Stearate handling calls for suitable work gloves, and food-contact-compliant gloves for food-grade applications.

Skin and body protection:
E470a Calcium Stearate handling calls for suitable long-sleeved work clothing, with contaminated clothing removed promptly.

Respiratory protection:
E470a Calcium Stearate dust that engineering controls cannot adequately control calls for a certified particulate respirator (P2/N95 or equivalent).

Hygiene measures:
E470a Calcium Stearate handling should be followed by thorough hand washing, and always before eating, drinking or smoking.
E470a Calcium Stearate contaminated workwear should be kept separate.

Properties of E470a Calcium Stearate:
Physical state: Solid (powder, granule or bead; emulsion form also available)
Appearance: White to yellowish-white (ivory, cream), fine, waxy, free-flowing powder
Odor: Practically odorless; slight characteristic fatty odor
Density: 1.08–1.12 g/cm³ (20°C)
Bulk density: ~200–300 g/L (grade-dependent)
Melting point: 150–160°C (grade-dependent)
Flash point: 162.4°C (reported)
Decomposition temperature: ~435°C
Solubility in water: 0.004 g/100 mL at 15°C (practically insoluble)
Solubility in hot pyridine: Soluble
Solubility in hot alcohol and oils: Slightly soluble
Solubility in cold alcohol, ether, chloroform: Insoluble
XLogP3: ~12.51 (highly lipophilic)
Calcium content: 6.5–7.5% (standard grades)
Transport: Not classified as dangerous goods
GHS: Combustible dust (Warning); no standard acute health hazard classification

Specifications of E470a Calcium Stearate (food/pharma grade):
Appearance: White to yellowish-white fine waxy powder
Calcium content (%): 6.5–7.5 (standard); 7.0 ± 0.5 (pharma)
Ash content (%): 9.0–10.5 (food/pharma)
Free fatty acid (as stearic acid) (%): ≤0.5
Loss on drying (%): ≤3.0 (105°C, 3 h)
Melting point (°C): 150–160 (155 ± 5 for pharma)
Fineness (200 mesh) (%): ≥99.0
Iodine number: ≤0.5
Heavy metals (as Pb) (%): ≤0.004 (≤40 ppm)
Lead (Pb) (mg/kg): ≤2
Arsenic (As) (mg/kg): ≤1–3
Chloride (Cl⁻) (mg/kg): ≤200
Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) (mg/kg): ≤1,000
Pharmacopeial standards: USP/NF; BP; EP; FCC; JP17
Packaging: 20–25 kg PE-lined kraft paper bags
Shelf life: 24–36 months in original sealed packaging
Storage: Cool (15–30°C), dry, well-ventilated; sealed; away from moisture and strong odors

Names of E470a Calcium Stearate:
E470a Calcium Stearate
Calcium Stearate
Calcium Distearate
Calcium Octadecanoate
Calcium Bis(stearate)
Stearic Acid Calcium Salt
Calcium Soap
E470a
INS 470(i)