Calcium stearate has been used by Hoechst since 1955 and by Montell since the late 1960s. The additive acts as a scavenger for residual catalyst components that can potentially corrode conversion equipment; calcium stearate also acts as a lubricant and a release agent [15]. The catalyst used by Ticona today has a higher activity than the one originally used for UHMWPE production. Thus, a larger quantity of UHMWPE can be synthesized with the same amount of catalyst, resulting in a lower residual catalyst concentration [1]. The trace element level of calcium in UHMWPE is directly proportional to the addition of calcium stearate, which is currently certified as food grade [16]. When calcium stearate is added to any UHMWPE resin, regardless of the manufacturer or catalyst technology used, the polymer particles are surface coated by the calcium stearate.