Ethylene Bis Stearamide (EBS) is a synthetically produced waxy solid, derived from the reaction of stearic acid and ethylenediamine. Its molecular structure is lipophilic (oil-attracting) but insoluble in water. This characteristic makes it a highly effective additive in various industrial fields, with primary functions including lubrication, release, anti-blocking, and surface modification.
The following are its main application areas:
1. Plastics and Rubber Processing
This is the primary application area for EBS. It performs two main functions here:
· Internal Lubrication: When plastic or rubber is heated and melted, EBS disperses uniformly between the molecular chains, reducing internal friction. This improves material flow and processing efficiency.
· External Lubrication and Release Action: EBS migrates to the surface of the molten material, forming a barrier layer. This prevents the material from adhering to processing equipment (such as screws and molds), ensuring a smooth surface finish on the final product and easy demolding.
2. Coatings, Paints, and Inks
In this field, EBS is primarily used as:
· Anti-settling Agent / Dispersant: It modifies the surface properties of pigments, preventing them from settling and forming clumps during storage, thereby maintaining uniform stability of the system.
· Matting Agent and Slip Additive: It creates a micro-rough structure on the coating surface, which can achieve a matting effect. Simultaneously, it enhances the smoothness of the paint film, improves feel, and increases scratch resistance.
3. Other Industrial Fields
· Asphalt Modification: Added to asphalt, it can enhance high-temperature stability and reduce rutting deformation.
· Powder Metallurgy: Used as a lubricant before metal powder is pressed into shape, aiding in the smooth ejection of the compact from the mold.
· Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC): Acts as a compatibilizer, improving the interfacial adhesion between hydrophilic wood fibers and the hydrophobic plastic matrix, thereby enhancing the performance of the composite material.
Summary: Ethylene Bis Stearamide (EBS) is a versatile chemical additive. Its core value lies in enhancing the processing performance and final quality of numerous products—such as plastics, rubber, and coatings—through its functions of lubrication, formation of barrier layers, and surface modification.
