The universal usefulness of stearic acid as surface modifier: applications to the polymer formulations and composite processing

The universal usefulness of stearic acid as surface modifier: applications to the polymer formulations and composite processing

This work aims to review the literature studies based on the application of stearic acid (SA) in a largerange of industrial and academic formulations, given the benefits arisen from this additive on thefunctional and structural properties of the manufactured products. The SA is characterized by a longhydrocarbon non-polar chain endowed with a terminal polar carboxyl group. In primary usefulnessconsists in a lubricant effect, by positively affecting the materials workability, and in the ability to interactwith various surfaces through physical or chemical mechanisms, by creating layer structures. In theseconditions, a reduction of the surface energy and an increase of the hydrophobic character have beenpromoted in the treated surfaces. These aspects have played an interesting role in the compoundingphase of a composite system, by promoting a reduction of the mixture viscosity, an increase offiller/matrix compatibility, and an improvement offiller dispersion.

This work aims to review the literature studies based on the application of stearic acid (SA) in a largerange of industrial and academic formulations, given the benefits arisen from this additive on thefunctional and structural properties of the manufactured products. The SA is characterized by a longhydrocarbon non-polar chain endowed with a terminal polar carboxyl group. In primary usefulnessconsists in a lubricant effect, by positively affecting the materials workability, and in the ability to interactwith various surfaces through physical or chemical mechanisms, by creating layer structures. In theseconditions, a reduction of the surface energy and an increase of the hydrophobic character have beenpromoted in the treated surfaces. These aspects have played an interesting role in the compoundingphase of a composite system, by promoting a reduction of the mixture viscosity, an increase offiller/matrix compatibility, and an improvement offiller dispersion.