OLEAMIDE

Oleamide is the primary fatty acid amide derived from cis-oleic acid.
It is a white to cream-colored waxy solid used principally as a fast-bloom slip additive, lubricant, release agent and surface-modifying additive.

Its combination of a polar amide group and a hydrophobic C18 chain provides controlled compatibility with polymers.
This allows oleamide to migrate toward a polymer surface and form a thin lubricating layer that reduces the coefficient of friction.

Commercial selection focuses on amide content, acid value, iodine value, melting range, color, moisture, particle form and fatty-chain composition.
These parameters influence thermal behavior, dispersion, migration rate, odor, surface quality and long-term slip performance.

CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND COMMON NAMES

Oleamide is the primary amide of cis-9-octadecenoic acid, commonly known as oleic acid.
The name normally refers to the naturally prevalent Z or cis configuration of the carbon-carbon double bond.

The E or trans stereoisomer is a different substance.
Stearamide is the saturated C18 analogue, while erucamide is a longer C22:1 fatty acid amide.
Oleylamine is a fatty amine rather than an amide.
Oleamide DEA, Oleamide MEA, Oleamide MIPA and similar names designate substituted alkanolamides with different compositions and functions.

Commercial oleamide produced from natural oleic feedstock can contain small quantities of homologous saturated and unsaturated fatty amides.
High-purity grades provide a more concentrated cis-C18:1 profile and more consistent melting, migration, color and odor performance.

Synonyms and Common Names: Oleamide, cis-Oleamide, 9-cis-Oleamide, Oleic acid amide, cis-Oleic acid amide, Oleic amide, Oleyl amide, Oleylamide, Oleoyl amide, Oleoamide, (Z)-octadec-9-enamide, (9Z)-octadec-9-enamide, (Z)-9-octadecenamide, (9Z)-9-octadecenamide, 9-octadecenamide, (Z)-, 9-octadecenamide, (9Z)-, cis-9-octadecenamide, 9-octadecenamide, cis-, cis-9,10-octadecenoamide, 9-octadecenoic acid amide, (Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid amide, Sleepamide

TECHNICAL IDENTIFICATION

CAS Number: 301-02-0
EC / EINECS Number: 206-103-9
IUPAC Name: (9Z)-Octadec-9-enamide
Molecular Formula: C18H35NO
Molar Mass: 281.48 g/mol
Exact Mass: 281.2719 g/mol
Chemical Class: Primary unsaturated fatty acid amide
Carbon-Chain Profile: C18:1
InChIKey: FATBGEAMYMYZAF-KTKRTIGZSA-N
Isomeric SMILES: CCCCCCCC/C=C\CCCCCCCC(=O)N
UNII: 7L25QK8BWO
ChEBI Identifier: CHEBI:116314
Food-Contact Material Substance Number: 335
European Packaging Material Reference Number: 68960

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance: White, off-white or cream-colored waxy solid
Commercial Forms: Powder, micronized powder, flakes, beads, pellets and prills
Odor: Mild characteristic fatty odor
Melting Point: Approximately 69–76 °C
Relative Density: Approximately 0.94 at 20–25 °C
Estimated Boiling Range: Approximately 415–433 °C at 101.3 kPa
Estimated Vapor Pressure: Approximately 1.2 × 10⁻⁶ mmHg at 25 °C
Water Solubility: Approximately 0.04 mg/L at 25 °C
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water and soluble in chloroform, ether, aromatic hydrocarbons and hot alcohol
Estimated Log Kow: 6.48
Theoretical Iodine Value: Approximately 90.2 g I2/100 g
Volatility: Very low under normal storage and processing conditions
Ionic Character: Nonionic
Hydrophobicity: High
Combustibility: Combustible organic solid
Dust Behavior: Finely divided powder can form a combustible dust atmosphere

The neat material does not have a practically useful aqueous pH because of its extremely low water solubility.
It melts readily at normal polymer-compounding temperatures and disperses through compatible resin melts.

The cis double bond introduces a bend into the hydrocarbon chain and lowers crystal packing efficiency relative to saturated stearamide.
This contributes to oleamide’s lower melting range and faster migration behavior.

Oleamide is stable under ordinary dry storage conditions.
Prolonged exposure to oxygen, ultraviolet light or excessive process heat can oxidize the unsaturated chain and produce changes in color, odor and surface performance.

Strong acids or bases combined with heat can hydrolyze the amide group to oleic acid and ammonia-derived products.
Strong oxidizing agents are incompatible with the material.

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Oleamide functions primarily through controlled migration from the polymer matrix to the surface.
Its limited compatibility with many polyolefins creates the driving force for this bloom.

At the surface, the hydrocarbon chains form a low-friction layer while the amide groups contribute intermolecular association.
The resulting film reduces resistance between adjacent polymer layers and between the polymer and processing equipment.

Oleamide is classified as a fast-bloom slip additive.
Its shorter chain and lower molar mass produce faster surface migration than erucamide.
This makes it useful when low friction is required soon after extrusion or molding.

Migration continues after processing until an equilibrium surface concentration is reached.
The final coefficient of friction therefore depends on conditioning time, storage temperature, film thickness, polymer crystallinity, additive concentration and the presence of other formulation components.

Oleamide can improve film opening, winding, bag-making, web transport and high-speed packaging performance.
It can also reduce drag against dies, rollers, guides, molds and metal surfaces.

Slip and antiblocking are related but distinct functions.
Oleamide reduces surface friction and can assist film separation, but mineral antiblock particles are more effective when blocking results from extensive film-to-film contact.
Oleamide is therefore frequently combined with silica, talc or another suitable antiblock additive.

Its lubricating action can improve resin flow, pigment dispersion, mold release and surface resistance to scuffing.
Excessive surface migration can reduce print adhesion, coating adhesion, lamination strength, heat-seal consistency or corona-treatment retention.

The cis double bond makes oleamide more oxidation-sensitive than saturated fatty amides.
Controlled process temperature, short thermal residence time and a suitable antioxidant system preserve color and odor during demanding polymer operations.

PRODUCTION AND COMMERCIAL FORM

Oleamide is produced commercially by reacting oleic acid with ammonia at elevated temperature and pressure.
Water generated during amidation is continuously removed to drive the conversion toward the primary amide.

An alternative route uses the ammonolysis of methyl oleate or another oleic acid ester.
This process forms oleamide while releasing the corresponding alcohol.

Production finishing can include vacuum stripping, filtration, removal of residual fatty acid or ester, controlled cooling, crystallization, flaking, prilling and micronization.
The selected finishing process determines the product’s particle form, dust level, flow properties and ease of dispersion.

Vegetable-derived oleic acid is a common feedstock.
The fatty-acid profile of the starting material influences the concentrations of palmitamide, stearamide, linoleamide, trans isomers and other homologues in the finished product.

A high-oleic feedstock and effective purification provide a narrow C18:1 composition, low acid value, light color and consistent melting behavior.
Broader technical compositions can be appropriate when precise migration and optical performance are less critical.

Powder and micronized forms support rapid dispersion and low-temperature blending.
Beads, pellets and prills provide cleaner handling, reduced dust and controlled feeding into compounding equipment.

APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIES

POLYETHYLENE FILM AND FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

Oleamide is extensively used as a slip additive in low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene films.
It lowers film-to-film and film-to-metal friction during extrusion, winding, slitting, converting and packaging.

Applications include bags, liners, flexible packaging, industrial film, agricultural film and polyolefin sheet.
Fast surface migration is especially useful when the film must reach its operating coefficient of friction shortly after manufacture.

A practical development range for polyethylene film is approximately 500–2,000 ppm of active oleamide.
The selected concentration reflects the resin, film thickness, target coefficient of friction, conditioning time and downstream converting operations.

Silica or another mineral antiblock additive can be used with oleamide when both friction and layer separation require control.
The combined system must maintain the required haze, clarity, seal behavior and surface quality.

POLYPROPYLENE FILM AND MOLDED PRODUCTS

Oleamide is used in cast polypropylene film, oriented polypropylene structures and polypropylene molding compounds.
It provides rapid slip development, mold release, reduced drag and improved surface handling.

The additive is particularly useful when early slip is more important than prolonged high-temperature resistance.
Erucamide is generally selected instead when slower migration, longer-term coefficient-of-friction stability or greater thermal endurance is required.

Polypropylene processing conditions require attention to thermal residence time.
Prolonged exposure above approximately 230 °C accelerates oxidation, discoloration and odor formation.

MASTERBATCHES AND POLYMER COMPOUNDS

Oleamide can be incorporated into polyethylene or polypropylene carrier resins to produce accurately dosed slip masterbatches.
Masterbatch addition improves feeding consistency and reduces direct handling of fine powder.

The additive is also used in filled, pigmented and reinforced polymer compounds as a processing lubricant, dispersion aid and release agent.
Its effects on mechanical properties, surface energy and subsequent bonding operations are considered during compound development.

MOLDED AND EXTRUDED PLASTICS

Injection-molded and extruded polyolefin components use oleamide to reduce mold sticking, ejection force, surface drag and processing torque.
It can support smoother surfaces and reduce scuffing during assembly or transport.

Oleamide is also used in selected ethylene-vinyl acetate, flexible polyvinyl chloride and other thermoplastic formulations.
Compatibility and migration behavior are matched to the polymer’s polarity, crystallinity and service temperature.

RUBBER AND ELASTOMERS

In rubber and elastomer processing, oleamide functions as a surface lubricant, release aid and anti-tack component.
It can improve compound handling and reduce adhesion to molds, rolls and processing equipment.

The selected concentration must preserve interlayer adhesion, bonding, printing and cure performance.
Low acid value is important where free fatty acid could interact with cure chemistry or metal-containing additives.

COATINGS, PRINTING INKS AND WAX SYSTEMS

Oleamide can provide slip, anti-blocking support, scuff resistance and surface lubrication in selected coatings and printing inks.
It can also modify the behavior of wax-containing formulations and facilitate release from metal or polymer surfaces.

Particle size, solvent compatibility and melting behavior affect incorporation.
Surface bloom is controlled where overprinting, recoating, lamination or adhesive bonding follows application.

SPECIALTY LUBRICANTS AND GREASES

The polar amide group can associate with metal surfaces while the long hydrocarbon chain provides boundary lubrication.
Oleamide is therefore used in selected lubricant, grease, wax and anti-stick formulations.

Its very low water solubility favors oil-based or solvent-based systems.
Formulators control crystallization and low-temperature separation when the material is incorporated into liquid products.

COSMETICS AND PERSONAL CARE

The INCI name is OLEAMIDE.
Its recognized cosmetic functions include opacifying and viscosity control.

Cosmetic applications require controlled purity, color, odor, oxidation state and fatty-chain composition.
The finished formulation is developed within the applicable cosmetic safety and regulatory framework.

RESEARCH AND ANALYTICAL APPLICATIONS

Oleamide occurs naturally as an endogenous fatty acid amide and is studied in lipid signaling, sleep-related biochemistry, receptor modulation, gap-junction communication and fatty acid amide metabolism.
Research grades require high cis-isomer purity, traceable identity and detailed analytical characterization.

Because oleamide migrates from polymer matrices, it can appear as an extractable or leachable from polypropylene laboratory and packaging components.
Low-extractables systems account for this behavior when biological assays or sensitive analytical measurements are involved.

GRADE SELECTION AND PRODUCT SUITABILITY

Polymer-additive grade is selected for consistent slip performance, low acid value, controlled iodine value, light color and predictable melting behavior.
A high amide content reduces the influence of free fatty acid, residual ester and mixed-chain impurities.

Micronized grade provides rapid dispersion in coatings, powders and low-shear blends.
Its particle-size distribution also affects dust generation, feeding behavior and agglomeration.

Bead, prill or pellet grade is preferred for automated feeding and reduced-dust handling.
The particles melt during compounding and provide the same active chemical function after complete dispersion.

Food-contact polymer grade combines controlled composition with the declarations and migration-supporting information required for the intended market.
This designation concerns indirect use in compliant food-contact materials and does not designate oleamide as a direct food additive.

Cosmetic grade emphasizes INCI identity, color, odor, purity and oxidation control.
Research and analytical grades emphasize cis-isomer identity, high assay and chromatographic documentation.

Vegetable-derived grades are selected when renewable feedstock origin is an important purchasing criterion.
Feedstock-origin documentation is evaluated separately from chemical purity and polymer performance.

FORMULATION AND PROCESS CONSIDERATIONS

Oleamide can be dry-blended with polymer pellets, metered directly into a compound or introduced through a compatible masterbatch.
Masterbatch dosing generally provides the most consistent distribution at low active concentrations.

The additive melts well below normal polyolefin-processing temperatures.
Adequate mixing is required to distribute it uniformly without creating localized surface deposits or concentration differences.

Processing temperature and residence time should be kept at the lowest levels that provide stable resin conversion.
Prolonged exposure above approximately 230 °C increases the risk of oxidation, color development and odor.

Slip performance should be assessed after defined conditioning intervals.
Immediate, 24-hour and aged coefficient-of-friction measurements reveal the rate and stability of surface bloom more effectively than a single measurement.

Faster bloom occurs in more amorphous or less compatible polymer systems.
Higher crystallinity, thicker films, lower storage temperature and strong interactions with fillers or other additives can slow migration.

Pigments, mineral fillers, antistatic agents, silicone additives, antioxidants and antiblock particles can change oleamide distribution and surface concentration.
A representative full formulation is therefore used when establishing the final addition level.

Excessive oleamide can produce visible bloom, plate-out, deposits on rollers, inconsistent sealing or reduced surface energy.
The optimum dosage is the lowest concentration that reaches the required coefficient of friction throughout the intended storage and conversion period.

Printing, corona treatment, coating and lamination trials should be performed after a representative bloom period.
Oleamide already present at the surface can reduce ink wetting or adhesive strength.

For solvent-based coatings and lubricant systems, oleamide can be dissolved with moderate heat in a compatible organic phase.
Controlled cooling and agitation limit coarse crystallization.

Its negligible water solubility prevents direct dissolution in aqueous formulations.
A dispersion, emulsion or suitable carrier system is required when incorporation into a water-based product is necessary.

QUALITY, SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION

A common high-purity polymer-additive purchasing profile uses the following parameters.

Appearance: White to cream-colored powder, beads, pellets or prills
Amide Content: 98.0% minimum
Acid Value: 1.0 mg KOH/g maximum
Iodine Value: 80–95 g I2/100 g
Melting Range: 68–78 °C
Moisture: 0.3% maximum
Gardner Color: 2 maximum

Amide content indicates conversion and overall product concentration.
Chromatographic fatty-chain profiling provides additional information about the cis-C18:1 content and the presence of stearamide, palmitamide, linoleamide or trans isomers.

Acid value measures residual free fatty acid.
A low acid value supports odor control, thermal stability and consistent behavior in polymers, coatings and rubber compounds.

Iodine value reflects the degree of unsaturation and helps identify changes in fatty-chain composition.
A value centered near the theoretical level for mono-unsaturated oleamide supports a concentrated C18:1 profile.

The melting range reflects purity, chain distribution and crystal behavior.
Color and odor are particularly important in transparent film, light-colored compounds, cosmetics and applications processed at elevated temperature.

Moisture and volatile matter affect storage flow, feeding and processing cleanliness.
Particle-size distribution is specified for micronized grades, powder coatings and automated dosing systems.

Additional quality controls can include ash, residual ester, free oleic acid, peroxide value, oxidation markers and insoluble matter.
The selected controls reflect the polymer, optical, odor, food-contact, cosmetic or research requirements.

A Certificate of Analysis records the tested lot values.
A Technical Data Sheet describes the grade and its recommended applications.
A Safety Data Sheet provides classification, handling, storage, exposure-control and transport information.

Food-contact projects can also require composition declarations, regulatory status, traceability and supporting migration information.
Cosmetic and renewable-feedstock projects can require INCI, origin and impurity documentation.

SAFETY AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Pure oleamide is generally supplied without a hazardous classification under the European CLP system.
Available screening data indicate low acute toxicity and no genotoxic concern.

Powder can cause mechanical irritation if dust enters the eyes or respiratory tract.
Molten oleamide can cause serious thermal burns.

The product is combustible.
Fine airborne powder can form an explosible dust cloud, and accumulated dust can create a secondary fire or explosion hazard.

Suitable local exhaust ventilation, enclosed transfer and effective housekeeping control dust exposure.
Grounding and bonding reduce static ignition risk during powder transfer.

Thermal decomposition and fire can generate carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and ammonia-containing fumes.
Water fog, foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide can be used for fire control according to the surrounding materials and fire conditions.

Oleamide is highly hydrophobic and has very low mobility in water.
Large releases should be prevented from entering drains, surface water or soil.

In the European Union, oleamide is listed as Food-Contact Material Substance Number 335 for use as an additive or polymer production aid in plastic food-contact materials.
No individual specific migration limit or additional substance-specific restriction is assigned to its entry.
Finished materials remain subject to overall migration, composition, purity, good-manufacturing-practice and declaration-of-compliance requirements.

In the United States, oleamide appears in specified indirect food-contact provisions including 21 CFR 175.105, 21 CFR 175.300, 21 CFR 178.3910, 21 CFR 179.45 and 21 CFR 181.28.
Each application follows the use conditions established in the relevant provision.

Food-contact authorization applies to the intended plastic material, formulation, food type and conditions of contact.
It does not authorize oleamide as a direct food ingredient.

Cosmetic use follows the requirements applicable to the finished cosmetic formulation.
Research-grade oleamide is intended for analytical and laboratory applications rather than direct therapeutic use.

Pure oleamide is not normally regulated as dangerous goods under ADR, RID, IMDG or IATA transport rules.

FIRST AID

Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air and obtain medical attention if coughing, irritation or breathing discomfort continues.
Skin Contact: Wash exposed skin with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing.
Molten Material Contact: Cool the affected area immediately with clean water, do not remove solidified material from the skin and obtain medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with clean water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses when easy to do and obtain medical attention if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse the mouth, do not induce vomiting and obtain medical advice if discomfort develops.
Note to Physicians: Provide symptomatic and supportive treatment.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handle powder with dust extraction and avoid generating airborne particles.
Wear safety glasses, suitable protective gloves and work clothing.
Respiratory protection is used where ventilation does not maintain dust exposure at an acceptable level.

Keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
Protect the product from moisture, direct sunlight, excessive heat and prolonged contact with air.

Store away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids and strong bases.
Clean equipment and storage areas to prevent cross-contamination with other fatty amides, pigments or odorous materials.

Bulk molten handling requires temperature control, insulated equipment and protection against thermal burns.
Long residence times at elevated temperature should be avoided.

Collect spilled solid by vacuuming with equipment suitable for combustible dust or by careful mechanical recovery.
Avoid dry sweeping that disperses fine particles into the air.

PACKAGING AND PROCUREMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Oleamide is commonly supplied in polyethylene-lined multiwall bags, lined woven bags, fiber drums and bulk bags.
Industrial bag sizes commonly include 20 kg and 25 kg units.

Powder and micronized grades provide rapid incorporation but require greater dust control.
Beads, pellets, flakes and prills provide cleaner handling and more consistent automated feeding.

A complete purchasing description should identify the chemical name, CAS number, required form, amide content, acid value, iodine value, melting range, color, moisture and particle-size requirements.

Polymer buyers should also state the resin, processing temperature, target coefficient of friction, film thickness, intended conditioning time and any printing, lamination or sealing operations.

Food-contact, cosmetic and research applications require the corresponding regulatory and analytical documentation.
Packaging size, annual quantity, delivery schedule, pallet configuration and storage conditions complete the commercial supply specification.

For oleamide grade selection, application matching, specifications, regulatory documentation, packaging and supply planning, contact Ataman Kimya at +90 216 577 10 10 or info@atamankimya.com.