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Formulation Card

FC-13.6-M

Engine Degreaser — Heavy Duty

Ingredients

Ingredient% w/wFunction
Deionized waterqs to 100.0Diluent
Nonionic surfactant (C10 alcohol ethoxylate, 8 EO)11.0Primary degreasing agent
Sodium hydroxide (50%)5.0Caustic builder, saponification
Sodium carbonate3.0Buffer, alkalinity source
Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether (DGBE)3.8Solvent, grease penetration
Tetrasodium GLDA (47%)7.5Chelant, hard water stability
Sodium xylene sulfonate (SXS, 40%)7.0Hydrotrope, coupling
Corrosion inhibitor (sodium silicate)1.0Flash-rust protection
Total100.0

Formulation Notes

High-alkaline, solvent-boosted degreaser for heavy grease, oil, and carbonized soils on engine bays and underhood components.

Method: Dissolve sodium carbonate and GLDA in water. Add SXS and DGBE. Add nonionic surfactant. Add sodium hydroxide solution slowly with cooling. Add sodium silicate. Properties: pH 11.0–12.0, clear yellow liquid, water-thin viscosity . The combination of caustic (NaOH) and carbonate provides dual alkalinity: hydroxide ions saponify triglyceride greases into soap, while carbonate buffers the pH and precipitates calcium as calcium carbonate, preventing hard water interference. DGBE penetrates carbonized oil deposits that alkaline surfactants alone cannot access . Note: Avoid use on bare aluminum cylinder heads or heat exchangers at elevated temperature; caustic etches aluminum above 60 °C .