Phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning highlight aluminum alloy and preparation method of phosphorus-free cleaning agent

Abstract

The invention discloses a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning a highlight aluminum alloy, and belongs to the technical field of metal cleaning agents. 8.7% to 10.7% of sodium metasilicate; 0.1%-0.5% of a chelating agent; 0.1%-0.2% of a corrosion inhibitor; 0.05% to 0.2% of benzotriazole; 0.05% to 0.2% of BASF IRGACOR L190 plush, 0.05% to 0.2% of BASF 0.84%-1.27% of a non-ionic surface active agent; 3.6%-4.3% of an alkaline surfactant; 1.8%-2.5% of an organic acid; 0.35% to 1.05% of a low-foam surfactant; and 69.08%-78.41% of water. According to the invention, phosphate components are completely abandoned, the risk of oxygen deficit of water quality is avoided from the source, and meanwhile, the waste liquid treatment cost is remarkably reduced by selecting low-toxicity raw materials and degradable auxiliaries.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of metal cleaning agent technology, and particularly relates to a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] High-gloss aluminum alloy is an aluminum alloy material with a mirror-like finish achieved through precision machining and surface treatment techniques. Due to its high gloss and excellent physical properties, it is widely used in high-end decoration and electronic product casings. It has high hardness, good wear resistance, and corrosion resistance, and can maintain its surface gloss for a long time.

[0003] Currently, high-gloss aluminum alloy cleaning agents are mainly divided into two categories: water-based and solvent-based. Water-based metal cleaning agents effectively remove oil, grease, and wax stains from metal surfaces through the synergistic effect of surfactants, emulsifiers, and penetrants, utilizing physicochemical processes such as wetting, emulsification, penetration, dispersion, and solubilization.

[0004] However, traditional water-based cleaning agents often use strong acids and alkalis as core components, relying on chemical reaction film-forming technology. This not only damages the machining precision of workpieces but may also harm human health and the environment. Furthermore, their wastewater treatment is costly, and due to surfactant residue issues, cleaned non-ferrous metal workpieces often exhibit defects such as discoloration (e.g., whitening, yellowing, or blackening), corrosion, or spots. In addition, while phosphates, as commonly used water softeners, can improve cleaning efficiency, they are also a major contributor to eutrophication. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems of traditional water-based cleaning agents, which often rely on strong acids and alkalis as core components and chemical reaction film-forming technology. This not only damages the machining accuracy of workpieces but may also harm human health and the environment. Furthermore, the cost of waste liquid treatment is high, and due to surfactant residue issues, non-ferrous metal workpieces often exhibit defects such as discoloration, corrosion, or spots after cleaning. In addition, while phosphates, as commonly used water softeners, can improve cleaning efficiency, they can lead to eutrophication of the water. Therefore, this invention proposes a phosphate-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys, comprising the following components by mass percentage:

[0007] Potassium carbonate 6%-10%;

[0008] Sodium metasilicate 8.7%-10.7%;

[0009] Chelating agent 0.1%-0.5%;

[0010] Corrosion inhibitor 0.1%-0.2%;

[0011] Benzotriazole 0.05%-0.2%;

[0012] BASF IRGACOR L190 plus 0.05%-0.2%;

[0013] Nonionic surfactants: 0.84%-1.27%;

[0014] Alkaline surfactants: 3.6%-4.3%;

[0015] Organic acids 1.8%-2.5%;

[0016] Low-foaming surfactant: 0.35%-1.05%;

[0017] Water content: 69.08%-78.41%.

[0018] Furthermore, the chelating agent is sodium gluconate.

[0019] Furthermore, the corrosion inhibitor is sodium molybdate.

[0020] Furthermore, the nonionic surfactant is Solvay surfactant RA-600.

[0021] Furthermore, the alkaline surfactant is LKD 775.

[0022] Furthermore, the organic acid is LKD YR4.

[0023] Furthermore, the low-foaming surfactant is Clariant Genapol EP 0244.

[0024] This invention also provides a method for preparing a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys, comprising the following steps:

[0025] S1: Weigh the following ingredients according to the total proportion of the formula and add them to the mixing vessel;

[0026] Add 3.6%-4.3% LKD 775, 0.42%-0.635% nonionic surfactant, 1.8%-2.5% LKD YR4, and 0.1%-0.2% sodium molybdate, and stir at low speed until homogeneous to form a surfactant base solution.

[0027] S2: Add 50%-60% of the total amount of water to a clean container, turn on the stirrer, slowly add 6%-10% potassium carbonate and 8.7%-10.7% sodium metasilicate, stir until completely dissolved, and then add 0.1%-0.5% sodium gluconate and the surfactant base solution from S1 in sequence.

[0028] S3: Add 0.05%-0.2% benzotriazole and 0.05%-0.2% BASFIRGACOR L190 plus to the S2 solution in sequence, stir for 10-15 minutes until homogeneous, add the remaining nonionic surfactant and 0.35%-1.05% low-foaming surfactant, stir at low speed for 30 minutes to ensure no stratification; add the remaining water to the total volume, and adjust the pH to 9-10;

[0029] S4: Let the solution in S3 stand at 5℃ and 50℃ for 24 hours and observe whether it separates into layers.

[0030] A phosphate-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys is specifically designed for aluminum alloys to avoid the eutrophication problems caused by traditional phosphate-containing cleaning agents. It uses potassium carbonate and sodium metasilicate to construct an alkaline emulsion system, replacing phosphate-based water softeners, while its weak alkalinity inhibits aluminum oxidation. Nonionic surfactants are used to achieve efficient, low-foaming cleaning, suitable for spray processes. Addressing the electrochemical corrosion of aluminum alloys in alkaline environments, a composite corrosion inhibitor system integrates the chelating effect of sodium gluconate and the film-forming protection of sodium molybdate, doubly inhibiting metal ion precipitation. The highly biodegradable IRGACOR L 190 plus enhances hard water compatibility, and organic acids are added to strengthen high-temperature chelation and descaling capabilities. This formula completely eliminates phosphate components, preventing the risk of oxygen deficiency in the water from the source. Furthermore, the selection of low-toxicity raw materials and biodegradable additives significantly reduces wastewater treatment costs, complying with the EU REACH regulations and China's "Water Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan" for environmental protection requirements of industrial cleaning agents, combining cleaning effectiveness with ecological safety.

[0031] Therefore, this embodiment has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0032] A phosphate-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys addresses the shortcomings of traditional water-based cleaning agents, which often rely on strong acids and alkalis as core components and chemical reaction film-forming technology. This not only damages the machining precision of the workpiece but also potentially harms human health and the environment. Furthermore, the wastewater treatment costs are high, and surfactant residues often result in discoloration, corrosion, or spots on the cleaned non-ferrous metal workpieces. Additionally, while phosphates, commonly used water softeners, can improve cleaning efficiency, they can lead to eutrophication of the water. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 Example 8 shows the experimental results of a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0037] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0038] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "inner" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of the invention is usually placed when in use. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] The information of the components in this invention is as follows:

[0042] LKD 775 Shanghai Lingjie New Materials Technology Co., Ltd., LKD YR4 Shanghai Lingjie New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] This invention provides a technical solution: a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys, comprising the following components by weight percentage:

[0045] Potassium carbonate 6%-10%;

[0046] Sodium metasilicate 8.7%-10.7%;

[0047] Chelating agent 0.1%-0.5%;

[0048] Corrosion inhibitor 0.1%-0.2%;

[0049] Benzotriazole 0.05%-0.2%;

[0050] BASF IRGACOR L190 plus 0.05%-0.2%;

[0051] Nonionic surfactants: 0.84%-1.27%;

[0052] Alkaline surfactants: 3.6%-4.3%;

[0053] Organic acids 1.8%-2.5%;

[0054] Low-foaming surfactant: 0.35%-1.05%;

[0055] Water content: 69.08%-78.41%.

[0056] Potassium carbonate (6-10%) serves as an alkaline source, providing basic emulsification capabilities and achieving decontamination through saponification of greases. However, the concentration must be controlled to avoid excessive corrosion of aluminum.

[0057] Sodium metasilicate (8.7-10.7%): Enhances emulsification and dispersion. Its high alkalinity and pH buffering capacity can stabilize the system, while inhibiting redeposition of dirt by chelating metal ions.

[0058] Benzotriazole can be replaced with sodium silicate derivatives to achieve protection against aluminum alloys.

[0059] IRGACOR L 190 Plus (0.05-0.2%): Excellent biodegradability, strong compatibility with hard water, further enhances corrosion inhibition effect and reduces environmental impact.

[0060] Specifically, the chelating agent is sodium gluconate. It forms a protective film by chelating aluminum ions, inhibiting electrochemical corrosion, and is particularly suitable for protecting aluminum alloys in alkaline environments.

[0061] Specifically, the corrosion inhibitor is sodium molybdate. Combined with sodium gluconate, it enhances film density and provides dual inhibition of metal ion precipitation.

[0062] This invention provides a phosphate-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys. To avoid the eutrophication problem caused by traditional phosphate-containing cleaning agents, this phosphate-free formula is specifically designed for aluminum alloys: it uses potassium carbonate and sodium metasilicate to construct an alkaline emulsion system to replace phosphate-based water softeners, while its weak alkalinity inhibits aluminum oxidation; it uses nonionic surfactants to achieve efficient, low-foaming cleaning, suitable for spray processes; addressing the characteristic of aluminum alloys being prone to electrochemical corrosion in alkaline environments, the composite corrosion inhibition system integrates the chelating effect of sodium gluconate and the film-forming protection of sodium molybdate, doubly inhibiting the precipitation of metal ions; it is supplemented with IRGACOR L 190 plus, which has excellent biodegradability, to improve hard water compatibility, and adds organic acids to enhance high-temperature chelation and descaling capabilities; this formula completely eliminates phosphate components, eliminating the risk of water hypoxia from the source, and significantly reduces wastewater treatment costs through the selection of low-toxic raw materials and biodegradable additives, complying with the EU REACH regulations and China's "Water Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan" for environmental protection requirements of industrial cleaning agents, combining cleaning effectiveness with ecological safety.

[0063] Therefore, this embodiment has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0064] A phosphate-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys addresses the shortcomings of traditional water-based cleaning agents, which often rely on strong acids and alkalis as core components and chemical reaction film-forming technology. This not only damages the machining precision of the workpiece but also potentially harms human health and the environment. Furthermore, the wastewater treatment costs are high, and surfactant residues often result in discoloration, corrosion, or spots on the cleaned non-ferrous metal workpieces. Additionally, while phosphates, commonly used water softeners, can improve cleaning efficiency, they can lead to eutrophication of the water.

[0065] Example 2:

[0066] This invention provides a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys in Embodiment 2. Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further improves upon the following technical solution: the nonionic surfactant is Solvay surfactant RA-600. It maintains excellent wetting and dispersibility at low temperatures, making it suitable for spraying processes.

[0067] Example 3:

[0068] This invention provides a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys in Embodiment 3. Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further improves upon the following technical solution: the alkaline surfactant is LKD 775. The alkaline surfactant assists in washing and enhances the bactericidal properties of the system, reducing the risk of microbial contamination.

[0069] Example 4:

[0070] This invention provides a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys in Embodiment 4. Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further improves upon the following technical solution: the organic acid is LKD YR4. The pH of the system is precisely adjusted to a weakly alkaline state (8-9) to avoid corrosion of the aluminum material by strong alkali, while simultaneously promoting solubility and dissolution of the components.

[0071] Example 5:

[0072] This invention provides a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys in Embodiment 5. Based on the above embodiments, this embodiment further improves upon the following technical solution: the low-foaming surfactant is Clariant Genapol EP 0244. This reduces the impact of foam on equipment efficiency and enhances penetration for cleaning blind spots.

[0073] Example 6:

[0074] This invention provides a method for preparing a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys, based on the above embodiments. The method further includes the following improved technical solutions:

[0075] S1: Weigh the following ingredients according to the total proportion of the formula and add them to the mixing vessel;

[0076] Add 3.6%-4.3% LKD 775, 0.42%-0.635% nonionic surfactant, 1.8%-2.5% LKD YR4, and 0.1%-0.2% sodium molybdate, and stir at low speed until homogeneous to form a surfactant base solution.

[0077] S2: Add 50%-60% of the total amount of water to a clean container, turn on the stirrer, slowly add 6%-10% potassium carbonate and 8.7%-10.7% sodium metasilicate, stir until completely dissolved, and then add 0.1%-0.5% sodium gluconate and the surfactant base solution from S1 in sequence.

[0078] S3: Add 0.05%-0.2% benzotriazole and 0.05%-0.2% BASFIRGACOR L190 plus to the S2 solution in sequence, stir for 10-15 minutes until homogeneous, add the remaining nonionic surfactant and 0.35%-1.05% low-foaming surfactant, stir at low speed for 30 minutes to ensure no stratification; add the remaining water to the total volume, and adjust the pH to 9-10;

[0079] S4: Let the solution in S3 stand at 5℃ and 50℃ for 24 hours and observe whether it separates into layers.

[0080] Example 7:

[0081] Please see Figure 1 The present invention provides a method for preparing a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys in Embodiment 7. Based on the above embodiments, the present invention further improves the following technical solution: 6M42 aluminum alloy and 7550 aluminum alloy (both used for mobile phone frames) are used as test samples. The cleaning solution is prepared at a volume ratio of 1:19 of cleaning agent to pure water. The workpiece is cleaned twice (5 minutes each time) and rinsed four times under the conditions of 0.2 bar operating pressure and 55°C temperature.

[0082] Experimental results show that the workpiece surface has a uniform smoothness, no water stains remain in the high-gloss chamfer area, and no defects such as whitening or pitting occur. After drying and cooling, the surface cleanliness is maintained for ≥72 hours when tested with a dyne pen (38#), which meets the high standards of the industry.

[0083] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A phosphate-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys, characterized in that, Includes the following components by mass percentage: Potassium carbonate 6%-10%; Sodium metasilicate 8.7%-10.7%; Chelating agent 0.1%-0.5%; Corrosion inhibitor 0.1%-0.2%; Benzotriazole 0.05%-0.2%; BASF IRGACOR L190 plus 0.05%-0.2%; Nonionic surfactants: 0.84%-1.27%; Alkaline surfactants: 3.6%-4.3%; Organic acids 1.8%-2.5%; Low-foaming surfactant: 0.35%-1.05%; Water content: 69.08%-78.41%.

2. The phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chelating agent is sodium gluconate.

3. The phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys according to claim 1, characterized in that, The corrosion inhibitor is sodium molybdate.

4. The phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nonionic surfactant is Solvay surfactant RA-600.

5. The phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys according to claim 1, characterized in that, The alkaline surfactant is LKD 775.

6. The phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys according to claim 1, characterized in that, The organic acid is LKD YR4.

7. The phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-foaming surfactant is Clariant Genapol EP 0244.

8. A method for preparing a phosphorus-free cleaning agent for cleaning high-gloss aluminum alloys according to claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Weigh the following ingredients according to the total proportion of the formula and add them to the mixing vessel; Add 3.6%-4.3% LKD 775, 0.42%-0.635% nonionic surfactant, 1.8%-2.5% LKD YR4, and 0.1%-0.2% sodium molybdate, and stir at low speed until homogeneous to form a surfactant base solution. S2: Add 50%-60% of the total amount of water to a clean container, turn on the stirrer, slowly add 6%-10% potassium carbonate and 8.7%-10.7% sodium metasilicate, stir until completely dissolved, and then add 0.1%-0.5% sodium gluconate and the surfactant base solution from S1 in sequence. S3: Add 0.05%-0.2% benzotriazole and 0.05%-0.2% BASF IRGACORL190 plus to the S2 solution in sequence, stir for 10-15 minutes until homogeneous, add the remaining nonionic surfactant and 0.35%-1.05% low-foaming surfactant, stir at low speed for 30 minutes to ensure no stratification; add the remaining water to the total volume, and adjust the pH to 9-10; S4: Let the solution in S3 stand at 5℃ and 50℃ for 24 hours and observe whether it separates into layers.

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