Hydrogenated stearic acids (animal origin)

Stearic acid, what is it?

Stearic acid is a type of saturated fatty acid found in most oils and fats, both animal and vegetable. In addition, we can find it together with other saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. It responds to the formula C18H36O2, which corresponds to the formula of the saturated monocarboxylic acid of linear chain of 18 carbon atoms. It is usually marketed in different purities depending on its origin and the process to obtain it is always accompanied by the well-known palmitic acid.

ORIGIN ANIMAL FAT ANIMAL FAT & VEGETAL
ANALISYS

METHOD

UNITS CYPTEC
AE-01
CYPTEC
AE-03
CYPTEC
AE-08
CYPTEC
AE-5050
ACID VALUE
ISO 660
mg KOH/gr. 200-210 200-210 200-210 204-212
IODINE VALUE
ISO 3961
gr.l/100 gr. MAX. 1 MAX. 3 MAX. 8 MAX. 1
SAPONIFICATION VALUE
ISO 3657
mg KOH/gr. 201-211 201-211 201-211 205-213
TITRE
ISO 935
º centigrade 57-61 56-61 55-61 54-56
COLOUR LOVIBOND 5 1/4"
BS684.1.14
Red units (R) MAX. 0,5 MAX. 1 MAX. 1,5 MAX. 0,5
COLOUR LOVIBOND 5 1/4"
BS684.1.14
Yellow units (Y) MAX. 3 MAX. 5 MAX. 10 MAX. 3
UNSAPONIFIABLES
ISO – 18609
% MAX. 2 MAX. 3 MAX. 3 MAX. 0,5
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY  ISO 5508/12966-2
LAURIC ACID C-12 %
MAX. 1 MAX. 1 MAX. 2 MAX. 1
MYRISTIC ACID C-14 %
2-6 MAX. 6 MAX. 6 MAX. 3
PENTADECANOIC ACID C-15 %
MAX. 1 MAX. 1 MAX. 1 MAX. 0,5
PALMITIC ACID C-16 %
26-35 24-35 22-37 42-55
MARGARIC ACID C-17 %
MAX. 2 MAX. 2 MAX. 3 MAX. 1
STEARIC ACID C-18 %
58-68 56-68 55-70 43-56
OLEIC ACID C-18:1 %
MAX. 1 MAX. 3 MAX. 8 MAX. 1
LINOLEIC ACID C-18:2 %
MAX. 1
HIGHER FATTY ACID   %
MAX. 1,5 MAX. 2 MAX. 2 MAX. 1

 

Where is stearic acid found?

Stearic acid can be from plant or animal origin. Depending on the use we are going to give it, we will need or specify one origin or another.

Vegetable stearic acid is practically obtained from the hydrolysis of palm oil (or its fractions such as stearin or olein), followed by its hydrogenation and subsequent distillation.

Animal-type stearic acid, on the other hand, is obtained from the hydrolysis of animal fat (tallow), followed by its hydrogenation and subsequent distillation. Depending on the degree of hydrogenation (Iodine Index), different qualities of stearic acid can be obtained.

Properties and applications

This type of acid is a very solid product at room temperature, with a white tone and a slight touch of yellow. Its freezing point ranges from 55 – 65ºC depending on the stearic acid content and the degree of hydrogenation. On the other hand, it is a totally odourless acid.

The main applications of stearic acid are uses such as lubricants for plastics, auxiliary products for the textile industry, production of soaps for the cosmetics sector or detergents. They are also often used to produce waxes, esters, metal salts, hydrophobic coating agents, candles or rubber for tyres.

In turn, it has other uses in the pharmaceutical industry or even as a food additive in the production of plastic packaging for different foods.

Stearic acid is a very important type of acid in the oleochemical industry. It is a type of substance with numerous possibilities, applications and functions that achieves great satisfaction in different markets.

The growth of our industry has increased due to the demand from different sectors. It is a very efficient and profitable alternative that is opening a quite remarkable site since we are catapulting ourselves as a highly competitive force.

The sustainability and versatility of our products and services is totally guaranteed as well as their functionality and quality in order to obtain unbeatable solutions.