Calcium lauroyl taurate (C11H23CONH(CH2)2SO3·0.5Ca, CaLT) was synthesized, and the internal structure and tribology were studied. The powder of CaLT is a plate type crystal whose structure is lamellar at room temperature. When the powder is applied to an artificial skin, the frictional coefficient is lower than that for other solid lubricants. Such a high lubricity is caused by disintegration of the powder aggregates, cleavage of the lamellar layers, and deformation of the powder particles.

A novel lubricant material, calcium N-lauroyl taurate (C11H23CONH(CH2)2SO3·0.5Ca, CaLT), has been synthesized and characterized. The powder of CaLT is a plate-shaped crystal with a lamellar structure. CaLT shows superior lubricity as a result of its unique internal and aggregate structure. When the CaLT powder is applied to an artificial skin, the frictional coefficient is favorably lower than that of other solid lubricants of similar type. The frictional coefficient of CaLT decreases rapidly at initial passage and becomes constant when CaLT is repeatedly rubbed onto an artificial skin. The high lubricity may result from disintegration of the powder aggregates, cleavage of the lamellar layers and deformation of the powder particles. This novel lubricant material, CaLT, will be a powerful ingredient of some cosmetic and/or personal-care products in the near future.