Abrasives

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Commercially available containers with solid and liquid abrasives
A can of VIM from the early 20th century

Abrasives are used to clean bathrooms and kitchens where stubborn stains are found. The main active ingredients are quartz powder or marble powder and surfactants . Scouring agents are commercially available as scouring powder (in powder form) or scouring milk (as an aqueous emulsion ).

Ingredients and effects

With solid scouring powders, the smallest grains (grain size smaller than 0.05 mm) made of pumice , calcium carbonate (lime, chalk), kaolinite , quartz , soapstone or talc are used as a polishing agent for surfaces.

In addition to solid polishing grains with a weight fraction of over 95%, a solid abrasive contains surfactants (1–5%), builders, bases ( soda 0.5–2%), perfume and sometimes a bleaching agent ( peroxide or hypochlorite ).

Liquid abrasives contain aqueous suspensions made from marble powder - which is milder for surfaces - and an emulsifier made from polyacrylic acid .

The effect consists in mechanical abrasion of the dirt. The average grain size of the polishing agent must not be larger than 0.05 mm, otherwise it would scratch the surface.

Abrasives are generally suitable for surfaces that are not damaged by slight abrasion, such as non-shiny metal surfaces or stone. Surfaces such as glass , enamel , sanitary ware and tiles can, however, become rough when using hard abrasive cleaners and consequently take on more dirt. Plastics (Plexiglas, PVC tiles) can be easily scratched by abrasives.

Solid and liquid abrasives

Scouring powder

Among the scouring powders, a distinction is made between substances without additional cleaning agents such as Viennese lime (powdered dolomite ) and mixed powders such as the branded products ATA and IMI . Very fine-grain scouring powders can be used as a polishing agent .

The ATA scouring powder has been marketed by Henkel since 1920 . The previously popular product VIM is now also a Henkel brand.

Scouring milk

Abrasive detergents in liquid form also contain abrasive components such as calcium carbonate, in addition usually also u. a. Surfactants , preservatives, dyes, fragrances and perfumes.

Alternatives

Heavy soiling in saucepans or on stovetops can also be removed with scouring pads ( pot sponge ) or steel wool in combination with a dishwashing detergent.

See also

literature

  • Günter Vollmer, Manfred Franz: Chemistry in House and Garden , dtv 1994, ISBN 3-423-36002-X , p. 65 ff.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Brockhaus ABC Chemie in two volumes , VEB Brockhaus Leipzig, 1965, p. 1241.
  2. https://www.henkel.com/brands-and-businesses/vim-510960