Compared to PVC, polyolefines are easy-to-work plastics with naturally favourable working properties and good thermal stability in the absence of oxygen. The additives mainly used to stabilize this plastics are antioxidants. However, most catalysts contain chloride, and there is a risk of hydrochloric acid formation during processing which can affect the performance and easily corrode working tools. To prevent this, 0.05 to 0.2% calciumor zinc stearate is added to the formulations. Calcium stearate has proved especially beneficial in this regard due to its higher affinity to chloride. 

Metallic soaps

LIGA CALCIUMSTEARAT 800

Neutral calcium stearate for use in PE/PP, for neutralization of catalysts containing chloride. These free flowing powders feature a low content of heavy metals, especially iron. This prevents the graying of plastics containing DLTDP. The dosage is usually between 0.05 and 0.2%. Calcium stearate is BfR approved for the production of food contact materials.

LIGA CALCIUMSTEARAT 350

Very fine-particled calcium stearate with a low iron content. This product is particularly useful in the manufacture of fibres. In addition, LIGA CALCIUMSTEARAT 350 also exhibits high thermal stability.

LIGA CALCIUMSTEARAT CPR-2-V

Precipitated calcium stearate of vegetable origin with extremely fine particle size. This product is also available in kosher and halal grades. 

LIGA CALCIUMSTEARAT CPR-5-V

Precipitated calcium stearate of a vegetable fatty acid with high transparency and extremely high heat stability. 

LIGA ZINKSTEARAT 101 CG

Very fine neutral precipitated zinc stearate with a low heavy metal content for use in polyolefines, especially for fibre production. LIGA ZINKSTEARAT 101 CG also features high heat stability and high transparency.

LIGA ZINKSTEARAT 101/6

Produced by direct conversion, free-flowing zinc stearate with a low heavy metal content. This product has high colour stability.

LIGA ZINKSTEARAT ZPR-2-V

Precipitated Zinc stearate based on vegetable stearic fatty acids. This product is also available in kosher and halal grades.

Lubricants 

In most cases, polyolefines can be processed without the use of additional lubricants since the stearates used confer a lubricating effect. However, the use of lubricants has proved worthwhile in some applications. 

LIGALUB 11 GE
LIGALUB 11 GE/90

Lubricant and antistatic additive based on a glycerine partial ester. Mainly used in the manufacture of foils and injection-moulding. It is dosed in quantities of between 0.1 and 0.5%.