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Home > Parts cleaning > Agents > Acid agents
Acid agents
Cleaning agents with a pH-value from 0 to 6. The combination of surfactants and acids effectuate a good cleaning of
inorganic (mineral) soiling. Acidic cleaning is routinely used to remove scale, rust, and oxides from metals. The
cleaners may contain mineral acids (hydrofluoric, sulfuric, phosphoric, nitric), chromic acids, or organic acids
(acetic or oxalic). They also may contain detergents, chelating agents, and small amounts of water-miscible
solvents. The choice of acid and additives depends on the type of metal to be cleaned and the type of soil
to be removed.
Hydrogen embrittlement can be caused in some metals by exposure to some acids. Heat treating and choice of acid
can reduce or eliminate the embrittlement. Persons using acidic cleaners will need protection from the fumes, as
well as gloves and eye protection. Waste disposal involves pH adjustment and may require removal of some soil
components. The use of chelating agents can make the removal of dissolved metals from the used cleaner very
difficult.
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