Zinc Stearate
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Zinc Stearate is a chemical compound commonly used as a stabilizer and lubricant in producing PVC, polyolefins, and other polymers. It is a white powder.
As a stabilizer, Zinc Stearate helps prevent polymers’ breakdown due to heat, UV radiation, or other environmental factors. By adding zinc stearate to the polymer formulation, the stability and durability of the polymer can be improved, ensuring that it can withstand these conditions without breaking down or degrading.
As a lubricant, Zinc Stearate helps to improve the processing and handling of polymers during production. It acts as a mold release agent, preventing the polymer from sticking to the mold during shaping and forming. It also reduces friction between the polymer and the processing equipment, making it easier to extrude, inject, or blow mold the polymer into the desired shape.
Zinc Stearate is particularly effective as a lubricant in PVC production, where it is used to reduce the friction between the PVC particles during processing. This reduces the heat generated during processing and helps prevent the PVC from sticking to the processing equipment.
In addition to PVC and polyolefins, Zinc Stearate is also used as a stabilizer and lubricant in producing other polymers, such as polystyrene, polypropylene, and polyethylene. It is often added to the polymer formulation in small amounts, typically between 0.1 and 1% by weight, to achieve the desired stabilizing and lubricating effects.