Zinc stearate is a zinc soap that repels water. It is insoluble in polar solvents such as alcohol and ether but soluble in aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene

Benzene

Benzene is an organic chemical compound. It is composed of 6 carbon atoms in a ring, with 1 hydrogen atom attached to each carbon atom, with the molecular formula C6H6....

 and chlorinated hydrocarbons) when heated. It is the most powerful mold release agent among all metal soaps. It contains no electrolyte and has a hydrophobic effect. Its main application areas are the plastics and rubber industry where it is used as a releasing agent and lubricant which can be easily incorporated.

Applications

• As a synergic stabilizer for Ba/Cd and Pb stabilizer systems.
• As a gloss imparting agent in paint industry.
• As a metal release agent in rubber, polyurethane and polyester processing system.
• As a die release agent in powder metallurgy
  Powder metallurgy
  Powder metallurgy is the process of blending fine powdered materials, pressing them into a desired shape , and then heating the compressed material in a controlled atmosphere to bond the material . The powder metallurgy process generally consists of four basic steps: powder manufacture, powder...
  
  .
• As a chief ingredient in "fanning powder", used by magicians performing card manipulation
  Card manipulation
  Card magic is the branch of conjuring that deals with creating magical effects using a deck of playing cards. Card magic is commonplace in magical performances, especially in close up magic or parlor magic and street magic. Some of the most recognized names in this field include John Scarne, Juan...
  
  to decrease the friction between the cards.
• As a lubricant in cosmetics to improve texture.
• As an activator system for rubber vulcanization by sulfur and accelerators