Aluminum stearate is used for waterproofing fabrics and for thickening lubricating oils. It is involved in the preparation of polyamides and thermosetting plastics. It is used as a waterproofing additive in cements and in light-sensitive photographic compositions. It acts as a gelling agent for alkyd paints, as a defoamer for oil drilling fluids and as a retarder for polysulfide dental impression materials. Further, it is used in greases, lubricants, cutting compounds, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It serves as a flatting agent, as a defoaming agent in beet sugar and yeast processing. In addition to this, it is used as a water-repellent soap for natural stone surfaces.
