Zinc stearate

Description:
Zinc stearate is a white powder that is used as a lubricant in the manufacture of rubber and plastics. It can also be used as a food additive, such as in cheese and chocolate, to provide a protective layer. Zinc stearate is an amphiphilic molecule and has been shown to exhibit surface effects on the nanoparticle size, shape, and surface charge. The hydrophobic effect of zinc stearate causes it to form clusters with other molecules that are hydrophobic. This cluster formation has been shown to alter transcriptional regulation in cells. The use of zinc stearate has been associated with autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and bone cancer due to its interactions with drugs.Zinc stearate is typically synthesized by heating anhydrous sodium or potassium carbonates with vegetable oils containing fatty acids (e.g., coconut oil) under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure.