Stearate composition and method

摘要

An improved alkaline earth metal stearate composition is disclosed and is prepared by reacting a fatty acid component including stearic acid and palmitic acid with an alkali hydroxide to form an alkaline soap. An aqueous metal salt solution is then added to the soap, and pH adjusted to less than about pH 8 to form the improved alkaline earth metal stearate. The improved alkaline earth metal stearate provides a substantially pure amount of the dihydrate form of the stearate.