Calcium stearate
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Calcium stearate is a non-toxic stabilizer and lubricant. It is an insoluble calcium salt of stearic acid.Applications include as a flow agent in powders including some foods, a waterproofing agent for fabrics, a lubricant in pencils and crayons. In plastics it can act as an acid scavenger, a lubricant and a release agent. It may be used in plastic colourant concentrates to improve pigment wetting. In rigid PVC it can accelerate fusion, improve flow and reduce die swell. Applications in the personnal care and pharmaceutical industry include tablet mold release, anti-tack agent and gelling agent.