Aluminum stearate is used for waterproofing fabrics and for thickening lubricating oils. It is involved in the preparation of polyamides and thermosetting plastics. It is used as a waterproofing additive in cements and in light-sensitive photographic compositions. It acts as a gelling agent for alkyd paints, as a defoamer for oil drilling fluids and as a retarder for polysulfide dental impression materials. Further, it is used in greases, lubricants, cutting compounds, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It serves as a flatting agent, as a defoaming agent in beet sugar and yeast processing. In addition to this, it is used as a water-repellent soap for natural stone surfaces.
This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.