Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate: The Advanced Lithium Soap Thickener for Demanding Industrial Applications

• Chemical formula: C₁₈H₃₅LiO₃
• Molecular weight: 306.41 g/mol
• Structural features:
  • Hydroxyl group at C12 position enables superior hydrogen bonding
  • Long hydrocarbon chain (18 carbons) provides excellent oil solubility
  • Lithium cation contributes to high melting point

Physical Properties:

• Appearance: Fine white to off-white powder
• Melting point: 220°C (428°F) – significantly higher than conventional lithium stearate (190°C)
• Bulk density: 0.45-0.55 g/cm³ (loose)
• Solubility characteristics:
  • Water: <0.05 mg/L at 20°C (virtually insoluble)
  • Mineral oils: Excellent dispersion at elevated temperatures
  • Polar solvents: Limited solubility in alcohols/glycols

1. Raw Material Qualification
   • 12-hydroxystearic acid: Minimum 98% purity, OH value 155-165 mg KOH/g
   • Lithium hydroxide monohydrate: Battery-grade, ≤0.1% chloride impurities
2. Saponification Reaction
   • Reactor conditions:
     • Temperature: 85-95°C
     • Molar ratio: 1:1 LiOH to acid (±0.5% tolerance)
     • Reaction time: 4-6 hours under nitrogen blanket
3. Washing & Purification
   • Triple-wash process with deionized water (conductivity <5 μS/cm)
   • Residual lithium hydroxide: <0.3% by titration
4. Drying & Particle Size Control
   • Spray drying inlet/outlet temps: 180°C/80°C
   • Particle distribution:
     • D50: 15-25 μm
     • >100 μm: <1%
5. Quality Assurance
   • Batch testing includes:
     • Acid value: <5 mg KOH/g
     • Loss on drying: <1.5% (105°C, 2h)
     • Ash content: 10.5-11.5% (800°C)

Thermal Properties:

• Dropping point: 195-220°C (ASTM D2265)
• Thermal decomposition onset: 230°C (TGA, N₂ atmosphere)
• Oxidation stability:
  • 100+h at 170°C (ASTM D942)
  • 50% lower oxidation rate vs. calcium soaps

Rheological Benefits:

• Penetration (worked, 60 strokes): 265-295 (NLGI grade 2)
• Shear stability: <10% penetration change after 100,000 strokes (ASTM D217)
• Viscosity index improver effect: +15-20% vs. base oil alone

1. High-Performance Greases

• Automotive:
  • Wheel bearings (meets SKF LGHB2 requirements)
  • CV joints (exceeds MIL-PRF-81322G)
• Industrial:
  • Steel mill bearings (continuous operation at 150-180°C)
  • Mining equipment (water resistance to IP 220)

2. Polymer Additives

• PVC stabilizer:
  • Reduces HCl evolution by 40% at 180°C vs. Ca/Zn systems
• Engineering plastics:
  • Nucleating agent for POM (20% faster crystallization)
  • Acid scavenger in polyamides

3. Cosmetic Formulations

• Anhydrous systems:
  • Lipsticks: 3-8% for structure
  • Deodorant sticks: 5-12% as binder
• Emulsions:
  • W/O creams: 1-3% as co-emulsifier

4. Coatings Industry

• Gloss control agent: 0.5-2% in solvent-borne systems
• Anti-settling additive: 0.3-1% in high-solid paints

Comparative Analysis

Parameter	Li-12HSA	Li Stearate	Calcium 12-HSA	Polyurea
Max Temp (°C)	220	190	150	180
Water Washout (%)	<5	<10	<20	>30
Cost Index	1.0	0.7	0.9	1.8
NLGI Grade Range	00-3	1-3	2-3	1-2

• Enhanced Purity:
  • Heavy metals: <10 ppm Pb, <5 ppm Cd
  • Residual acids: <0.5%
• Customization:
  • Particle sizes: 10-50 μm available
  • Surface-treated versions for non-polar systems
• Supply Chain:
  • MOQ: 500 kg
  • Lead time: 2 weeks for standard grades
• Technical Support:
  • Grease formulation assistance
  • Compatibility testing with base oils

Regulatory Status

• Food contact:
  • FDA 21 CFR 178.3570
  • EU 10/2011 (No migration limits)
• Cosmetic:
  • China IECIC approved
  • EU CosIng listed

Q: Can Li-12HSA be used in biodegradable greases?
A: Yes, compatible with:
• Esters (biolubricants) – Recommended 8-12%
• PAO synthetics – 6-10% loading

Q: Storage recommendations?
A: • 24 months in original packaging
• Keep dry (<40% RH) at 15-25°C
• Avoid contact with strong acids

Q: Minimum order quantity?
A: • Sample kits: 1 kg available
• Production batches: 500 kg drum quantity

Ordering Information
Contact our technical sales team for:

• Customized specifications
• Bulk pricing tiers (5MT+ discounts)
• Regional warehouse availability

1. Silva, L.S.; Lima, L.C.B.; Silva, F.C.; Matos, J.M.E.; Santos, M.R.M.C.; Santos Júnior, L.S.; Sousa, K.S.; da Silva Filho, E.C. Dye anionic sorption in aqueous solution onto a cellulose surface chemically modified with aminoethanethiol. Chem. Eng. J. 2013, 218, 89–98. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
2. CMI, https://www.echemi.com/produce/pr22120151498-lithium-12-hydroxystearate.htm