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Formulation Card

FC-14.4-P

Strong Degreaser

Ingredients

IngredientINCI / Chemical Name% w/wFunction
WaterAqua55.0Carrier
d-Limonened-Limonene15.0Terpene solvent, grease dissolver
2-ButoxyethanolButyl glycol8.0Glycol ether, coupling agent
C9-C11 alcohol ethoxylate (6 EO)C9-11 pareth-66.0Nonionic surfactant, emulsifier
Sodium hydroxide (50%)Sodium hydroxide5.0Strong alkalinity
Sodium metasilicate anhydrousSodium metasilicate4.0Builder, metal protection
Sodium xylene sulfonate (40%)Sodium xylene sulfonate4.0Hydrotrope, phase stabilizer
Trisodium phosphateTSP2.5Alkaline builder, deflocculant
Fatty acid alkanolamideCocamide DEA0.5Foam stabilizer (optional)
Total100.0

Formulation Notes

Carbonized grease and heavy mineral-oil deposits require a formulation combining high alkalinity (pH 12-14) with substantial solvent content for penetration and dissolution. The formulation below employs a dual-solvent approach: d-limonene provides natural-origin terpene solvency for hydrocarbon soils, while butyl glycol (2-butoxyethanol) enhances water miscibility and coupling of the alkaline phase with the solvent phase .

Procedure. Premix d-limonene with the alcohol ethoxylate and butyl glycol; this forms the solvent/surfactant concentrate phase. In the main vessel, dissolve sodium metasilicate, trisodium phosphate, and sodium xylene sulfonate in water. Add sodium hydroxide slowly. Introduce the solvent phase into the aqueous phase under high-shear mixing to form a stable micro-emulsion. Viscosity will be 15-30 mPa·s; the product should appear as a clear to hazy single-phase liquid .

Specifications. pH (neat): 13.0 ± 0.3; pH (1% solution): 11.5 ± 0.2; active matter: 22% ± 1.5%; flash point (closed cup): 42 ± 3°C (due to butyl glycol and d-limonene).

Application. Use undiluted for heavy carbonized grease; dilute 1:5 to 1:20 for general degreasing. Apply by spray or brush; allow 5-15 minutes dwell time. Agitation with nylon brush improves performance on vertical surfaces. Rinse thoroughly with water. Do not allow to dry on painted surfaces.

GHS Classification. Skin Corrosion Category 1A (H314); Signal word: DANGER; Flammable Liquid Category 4 (H227). Required PPE: chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber), chemical splash goggles, face shield, chemical-resistant apron. Ensure adequate ventilation; d-limonene has a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 30 ppm (8-hour TWA) in some jurisdictions.