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Stearamide wax is a fatty acid amide derived from stearic acid.
It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid and is widely used as a slip agent, release agent, and anti-blocking additive in plastic processing, rubber, and coatings.
Due to its excellent lubricating and anti-static properties, it is also used in printing inks, adhesives, and metalworking.
CAS Number:
124-26-5
Synonyms:
Octadecanamide,Stearic acid amide,N-Octadecanamide,Octadecanamide, stearamide,Stearamid,Ammonolysis stearic acid
Introduction to Stearamide Wax
Overview of Stearamide and its Chemical Structure
Stearamide is a saturated fatty amide derived from stearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid. Its chemical formula is C18H35NO.
This waxy solid is commonly used in various industrial applications due to its versatility and unique properties.
Its structure consists of an amide functional group attached to a long alkyl chain.
Stearamide wax has a characteristic white, waxy appearance, and its chemical structure contributes to its ability to act as a lubricant, dispersing agent, and stabilizer in formulations.
History and Development of Stearamide Wax
Stearamide was first identified in the 19th century as a by-product of stearic acid, which is derived from animal fats and vegetable oils.
Over the years, its industrial use expanded as industries began to recognize its beneficial properties, especially in applications requiring high-temperature stability and lubrication.
Common Uses and Importance in Industrial Applications
It has become a key ingredient in the production of cosmetics, personal care products, paints, coatings, and even in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Its role as a stabilizer and lubricant makes it crucial in many manufacturing processes, from plastic extrusion to metalworking.
Chemical Properties of Stearamide Wax
Detailed Chemical Composition and Molecular Structure
Stearamide wax consists of long-chain amide molecules, primarily C18H35NO, with a fatty acid chain (stearic acid) attached to the nitrogen atom through the amide group.
This gives it its waxy nature, allowing it to perform well in applications needing smooth texture and stability.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Melting Point: Stearamide typically melts at temperatures ranging between 120°C and 150°C, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
Solubility: It is insoluble in water but dissolves in many organic solvents like chloroform and benzene. This property is essential for its use in formulations requiring organic solvent compatibility.
Stability: It exhibits good chemical stability, resisting degradation at normal operating temperatures.
Other Properties: It possesses a waxy, smooth texture, high thermal stability, and excellent lubricating properties.
Comparison to Other Amides and Waxes
Stearamide differs from other fatty amides such as oleamide and erucamide due to its longer carbon chain (C18), which gives it superior hardness and waxy texture.
Compared to other waxes, Stearamide provides better thermal stability and is less reactive at high temperatures.
Synthesis and Production of Stearamide Wax
Raw Materials and Synthesis Pathways
Stearamide is synthesized primarily from stearic acid, which is usually obtained from animal fats or vegetable oils.
The synthesis process involves the reaction of stearic acid with ammonia (NH₃) or primary amines to form the amide bond.
The reaction is typically carried out under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure to avoid unwanted side reactions.
Industrial Methods Used in Its Production
Large-scale production of Stearamide involves batch or continuous processing.
In a batch process, stearic acid is reacted with ammonia in the presence of a catalyst, typically at temperatures between 150°C to 200°C.
Some production methods also involve the use of solvents or surfactants to enhance yield and purity. These methods are continuously being refined to reduce costs and environmental impacts.
Challenges and Advancements in Production Techniques
One of the challenges in producing Stearamide wax is ensuring purity and consistency of the final product.
Advanced purification methods like vacuum distillation and crystallization are often employed.
New research is focused on developing more sustainable production methods, such as the use of plant-based feedstocks or reducing energy consumption during synthesis.
Applications of Stearamide Wax
Use in Lubricants, Cosmetics, and Personal Care Products
In lubricants, Stearamide provides enhanced slip properties, reducing friction and wear.
It is commonly found in formulations for high-performance industrial lubricants.
In cosmetics and personal care, Stearamide is used in creams, lotions, and deodorants, where it acts as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent, contributing to smooth application and long-lasting effects.
Applications in Plastics and Polymer Industries
Stearamide is often incorporated into plastic formulations, where it acts as a lubricant during processing.
It reduces friction between the polymer and processing equipment, improving the flow of molten polymer and reducing defects in the final product.
It is also used as a dispersing agent for pigments and fillers in plastics, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the final product.
Role in Metalworking and as a Release Agent
In metalworking, Stearamide is used as a lubricant and release agent during the stamping and molding of metals, preventing them from sticking to molds and tools.
This improves efficiency and product quality.
Utilization in Coatings, Paints, and Other Industrial Processes
Stearamide is added to coatings and paints to improve their texture and stability.
It helps in controlling viscosity and enhancing the smoothness of the applied finish.
It also provides thermal stability and resistance to degradation under high temperatures.
Advantages and Limitations
Benefits of Stearamide Wax
High thermal stability, making it suitable for high-temperature processes.
Excellent lubrication properties, reducing friction and wear.
Enhanced stability and compatibility with a wide range of other chemicals and materials.
Used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in many products, contributing to smooth textures and long shelf life.
Limitations and Challenges
Stearamide may be less effective in low-temperature environments where its waxy nature becomes more rigid.
It can sometimes cause incompatibility with some additives or ingredients, requiring careful formulation adjustments.
The production of Stearamide relies on non-renewable resources, raising concerns about sustainability.
Comparison to Alternative Waxes and Additives
Compared to natural waxes, Stearamide offers better performance in high-temperature applications.
However, alternatives such as synthetic waxes or other fatty amides may be preferred in situations requiring lower environmental impact or specific compatibility.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT STEARAMIDE WAX
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
