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Ethylene Bis Stearamide (EBS) is a synthetic wax-like compound used as a lubricant, dispersing agent, and processing aid in plastics, rubber, coatings, adhesives, and other industrial applications.
It appears as a white or pale yellow solid in the form of powder, beads, or flakes and has excellent thermal stability and lubrication properties.
CAS Number: 110-30-5
Synonyms
EBS,N,N'-Ethylene Bis(Stearic Acid Amide),Ethylene Distearylamide,N,N'-Ethylenebisstearamide, N,N'-1,2-Ethanediylbis(octadecanamide),Octadecanamide, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-,Acrawax C
Abstract
Ethylene Bis Stearamide (EBS) is a high-performance synthetic wax widely used across multiple industries due to its exceptional lubricating, anti-blocking, and release properties.
This review provides an in-depth examination of the chemical structure, production methods, physical and chemical properties, applications, advantages, drawbacks, and environmental impact of EBS.
Furthermore, potential alternatives and future research directions are discussed.
The study also highlights the growing interest in sustainable alternatives and the need for continuous advancements in the field.
Introduction
Ethylene Bis Stearamide (EBS) is a bis-amide compound derived from the reaction of ethylene diamine with stearic acid.
It is an essential processing aid in plastics, rubber, textiles, coatings, and many other applications. The compound is valued for its ability to improve flow properties, enhance mold release, and reduce friction in various industrial processes.
EBS has been extensively studied due to its wide-ranging benefits, including its ability to enhance surface smoothness, reduce energy consumption in processing, and improve the mechanical properties of end products.
Its applications continue to grow as industries seek more efficient and environmentally friendly materials.
Chemical Structure and Properties
Molecular Formula: C38H76N2O2
Molecular Weight: 593.04 g/mol
Physical Appearance: White to off-white powder or granules
Melting Point: ~140–146°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as chlorinated hydrocarbons and aromatic solvents
Thermal Stability: Excellent resistance to high temperatures and oxidative degradation
EBS has a highly symmetrical molecular structure, which contributes to its unique thermal and mechanical properties.
The long-chain stearamide groups provide excellent lubricity, while the ethylene bridge enhances its stability.
Its hydrophobic nature makes it ideal for non-polar applications, ensuring excellent water repellency and surface protection.
The crystallinity of EBS influences its performance, allowing it to act as a nucleating agent in polymeric matrices.
Production Methods
EBS is synthesized through the amidation reaction between stearic acid and ethylene diamine.
The process involves:
Esterification: Stearic acid is converted to its corresponding ester using catalysts and controlled reaction conditions to enhance efficiency and yield.
Amidation: Ethylene diamine reacts with the ester under high temperatures, forming the bis-amide compound through a condensation reaction that releases water as a byproduct.
Purification and Crystallization: The crude product is purified through solvent extraction, filtration, and controlled crystallization techniques to remove impurities and enhance the quality.
Drying and Grinding: The final EBS product is dried to remove residual moisture and then ground into a fine powder or granulated form for industrial applications.
Advanced production techniques, such as enzymatic catalysis and green chemistry approaches, are being explored to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Industrial Applications
EBS is a versatile additive used in multiple sectors:
Plastics Industry: Acts as a lubricant, anti-blocking agent, and dispersing aid in polyolefins, PVC, and engineering plastics.
It improves melt flow, enhances processing efficiency, and provides better surface finish to molded products.
Rubber Processing: Enhances mold release and improves flow properties in rubber compounds, preventing sticking during vulcanization and improving mechanical properties.
Textile Industry: Functions as an anti-static and slip agent in fiber manufacturing, reducing friction and preventing electrostatic accumulation in synthetic fibers.
Coatings and Paints: Used as a matting and anti-settling agent to enhance surface properties, improve uniformity, and prevent agglomeration of pigments.
Paper Industry: Improves surface smoothness and anti-sticking properties in paper coatings, making it useful in specialty papers and release papers.
Powder Metallurgy: Functions as a lubricant in metal powder compaction processes, ensuring uniform particle dispersion and enhancing green strength.
Adhesives and Sealants: Used to improve the consistency, flow, and durability of adhesives, contributing to better adhesion and reduced curing time.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
Improves processing efficiency and reduces wear in machinery, extending the lifespan of industrial equipment.
Provides excellent thermal stability, allowing use in high-temperature applications.
Enhances surface finish in plastics, coatings, and textiles, leading to better product aesthetics.
Non-toxic and environmentally safe, making it suitable for use in food packaging and medical applications.
Acts as a dispersing agent, improving pigment and filler distribution in composites.
Limitations:
Insoluble in water, limiting certain applications where water compatibility is required.
May cause compatibility issues in some polymer matrices, necessitating modifications or blends with other additives.
Can be challenging to disperse in some systems without proper processing techniques.
Subject to cost fluctuations due to dependency on raw material availability.
Future Research and Development
Research is ongoing to improve the performance and environmental footprint of EBS. Key areas include:
Developing bio-based alternatives with similar functionality to reduce reliance on petrochemical-derived raw materials.
Enhancing the compatibility of EBS with a broader range of polymers through surface modification and functionalization.
Studying nanostructured additives and hybrid systems to enhance efficiency and performance.
Investigating advanced dispersion techniques to improve processability and uniformity in applications.
Exploring the potential for EBS-based composites in emerging fields such as 3D printing, biomedical materials, and high-performance coatings.
Conclusion
Ethylene Bis Stearamide is a critical additive in multiple industrial applications, offering significant benefits in terms of lubrication, processing, and surface modification.
While it has some limitations, ongoing research aims to expand its potential applications and sustainability.
The drive toward greener chemistry and more efficient processing techniques continues to shape the future of EBS and its alternatives.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT ETHYLENE BIS STEARAMIDE
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
