Can't find the materials you are looking for?
The material groupings on our website are extensive but not exhaustive. Talk to a rep today about customizing our equipment to better suit your application.
Zinc Stereate
Zinc stearate is a chemical compound derived from stearic acid and zinc oxide. It appears as a white, fluffy powder and is commonly used as a release agent, lubricant, and anti-caking agent in various industries. In this article, we delve into the properties, applications, challenges in bulk material conveying, and the ideal UniTrak equipment for handling Zinc Stearate.
At a Glance
Zinc stearate, with its molecular formula Zn(C18H35O2)2, is a metallic soap widely utilized as a processing aid in industries such as plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like alcohols and ethers. The compound possesses a low melting point and is known for its lubricating and anti-blocking properties.
Understanding the key characteristics of Zinc stearate is crucial for effective handling and processing:
- Low Abrasiveness: Zinc stearate is generally non-abrasive, reducing wear and tear on equipment surfaces during handling and processing.
- Hygroscopicity: It exhibits slight hygroscopic behavior, absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, which can impact flowability and cause clogging in conveying systems.
- Non-corrosive: Zinc stearate is non-corrosive to metals, making it compatible with most industrial equipment materials.
- Low Bulk Density: The low bulk density of Zinc stearate poses challenges in achieving uniform flow and preventing segregation during conveying.
Common Uses
Zinc stearate finds extensive applications across diverse industries:
- Plastics Industry: It serves as a mold release agent, preventing molded parts from sticking to the mold surface, thus facilitating easy ejection.
- Rubber Industry: Used as a lubricant and anti-tack agent in rubber processing to prevent adhesion between rubber surfaces.
- Pharmaceuticals: Employed as a lubricant and glidant in tablet manufacturing, ensuring smooth tablet compression and release from the die.
- Cosmetics: Acts as an anti-caking agent in powder-based cosmetics like face powders and eyeliners, enhancing texture and spreadability.
Challenges in Conveying
Bulk material conveying of powders and bulk solids like Zinc stearate presents several challenges:
- Poor Flowability: Powders with low bulk density like Zinc stearate tend to exhibit poor flow properties, leading to flow interruptions and blockages in conveying systems.
- Segregation: Particle size segregation can occur during conveying, leading to non-uniform distribution of fines and coarse particles.
- Dust Generation: Fine particles of Zinc stearate can generate dust during conveying, posing health hazards and requiring effective dust containment measures.
Equipment Options
UniTrak, with its expertise in customized bulk material handling equipment, offers tailored solutions for handling Zinc stearate:
- TipTrak Bucket Elevator: Ideal for vertically conveying Zinc stearate with gentle handling, preventing product degradation and minimizing dust generation.
- Powderflight Aeromechanical Conveyor: Suitable for long-distance conveying with minimal product degradation and dust generation, ensuring efficient transfer of Zinc stearate.
- UniFlex Flexible Screw Conveyor: Provides flexible and efficient conveying of Zinc stearate, accommodating varying flow rates and conveying angles with minimal product degradation.
- Bulk Bag Loader/Unloader: Facilitates easy and safe handling of bulk bags filled with Zinc stearate, streamlining material transfer processes.
Want to chat more about your specific application or materials?
Zinc stearate, with its diverse applications and unique handling characteristics, demands specialized equipment for efficient conveying and processing. UniTrak's deep experience in customized bulk material handling equipment makes it the ideal partner for addressing the complex challenges associated with handling Zinc stearate and other similar materials. With a range of equipment options designed for gentle handling, minimal product degradation, and efficient dust containment, UniTrak ensures seamless material transfer and processing across various industries.
Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the information you need for your unique applications or challenges. Book some time to speak with our team today and start the conversation.