What is the Difference Between Double and Triple Pressed Stearic Acid?

The main difference between double and triple pressed stearic acid lies in their purity and iodine content. Stearic acid, also known as octadecanoic acid, is a common saturated fatty acid found in various animal fats and vegetable oils. It is a solid waxy compound with the chemical formula C₁₇H₃₅COOH.

Double Pressed Stearic Acid: This is a commercial grade of stearic acid that is less refined than triple pressed stearic acid. It contains more impurities and unwanted substances than the triple pressed form. The properties of this commercial-grade depend on the manufacturer.
Triple Pressed Stearic Acid: This is a more refined and purer form of stearic acid compared to double pressed stearic acid. It has a significantly lower iodine content when compared to double pressed stearic acid. Triple pressed stearic acid is often used in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and candle manufacturing industries.

In summary, the key difference between double and triple pressed stearic acid is their purity and iodine content, with triple pressed stearic acid being purer and having a lower iodine content than double pressed stearic acid.

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What is the Difference Between Double and Triple Pressed Stearic Acid?

Comparative Table: Double vs Triple Pressed Stearic Acid

The main difference between double and triple pressed stearic acid lies in their purity and refining process. Here is a comparison of the two:

Property	Double Pressed Stearic Acid	Triple Pressed Stearic Acid
Purity	Comparatively less pure	Purer, when comparing both
Iodine Value	Very high when comparing both	Comparatively very low
Source	Mainly derived from animal fats & oils, and vegetable oils	Mainly sourced from vegetable oils, such as palm oil
Applications	Used in candle manufacturing, low-end plastic products, and some food applications	Used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals
C18 Content	20-30%	40-44%
Acid Value	212.0 – 225.0 mgKOH/g	207.0 – 211.0 mgKOH/g
Saponification Value	213 – 226 mgKOH/g	208 – 212 mgKOH/g
Titer	53 – 57°C	53 – 57°C

Triple pressed stearic acid is more refined than double pressed stearic acid, resulting in a higher purity and lower iodine value. Triple pressed stearic acid is commonly used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals due to its purity, while double pressed stearic acid is mainly used in candle manufacturing and low-end plastic products.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.