18-Aminooctadecanoic acid is primarily used in the development of specialty polymers and coatings. Its long hydrocarbon chain combined with the amino group makes it valuable for creating materials with enhanced mechanical properties and chemical resistance. It is often incorporated into polyamides and polyurethanes to improve their durability and flexibility, making them suitable for use in automotive parts, industrial coatings, and adhesives. Additionally, it serves as a building block in the synthesis of surfactants and emulsifiers, which are essential in the formulation of personal care products, detergents, and lubricants. Its amphiphilic nature also makes it useful in biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems, where it can help improve the solubility and stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients.