By Geoff Wylie   

Traditionally, when formulating cleaners for aluminum, formulators were constrained to a pH range of 9.0–10.0. This cautious approach aimed to prevent corrosion or “burning” of the soft metal. A formulation with a pH of 12.5–13.0 would immediately be dismissed as too aggressive — a corrosive system unsuitable for aluminum.  Furthermore, many companies would dismiss the use of alkaline cleaners based upon safety factors for the workers. In both cases, that’s old thinking.

Today’s cleaning technologies have evolved. Modern systems containing chelate, alkali, and dispersant, like SB-GHA™, can deliver high-performance cleaning at a higher pH without corroding soft metals like aluminum. A formulation with a pH of 12.5–13.0 can now be non-corrosive, not only on metals, but skin and eyes as well — if it's built on the right technology.

The same shift in thinking applies to “neutral” cleaners. While they may appear safe because of their moderate pH, their weak alkali systems often result in poor cleaning performance requiring significantly higher amounts of cleaner to achieve a clean surface. Long term, this approach is not sustainable resulting in a higher overall cost as well as a higher chemical loading and subsequent environmental impact i.e. these formulations are not balanced.

With today’s innovations, it’s possible to design a cleaning formulation that operates at a high pH (12.5+), is non-corrosive to soft metals including aluminum, and non-corrosive to skin and eyes. These formulations contain an advanced, all-in-one alkali, metal protection, and chelate system, using dynamic, non-corrosive surfactants. Consequently, they achieve a deeper clean, and with less environmental burden.

In summary: The pH value alone no longer defines safety or performance. Modern, high-pH cleaners can be non-corrosive and outperform neutral cleaners in both effectiveness and environmental impacts — when formulated with the right technologies.

For assistance in non-corrosive, high pH formulations, contact us to set up a one-on-one conversation with one of our team members.  Click Here