Glycolic Acid for Cleaning Copper

Basics

• Glycolic acid -- also known chemically as HOCH2COOH, or hydroxyacetic acid -- acts as an organic intermedium, emulsifier and penetrant. This colorless, low odor, translucent substance – the simplest member of the hydroxycarboxylic acid family – has a molecular weight of 76.05 and a melting point of 80 degrees Celsius, or about 176 degrees Fahrenheit. This common copper cleaner dissolves in water, acetic acid, methanol, ethanol and ether, but not in hydrocarbon solvents.

Effect of Copper

• The acidic properties of glycolic acid allow the substance to chelate, brighten, clean and finish copper surfaces. Glycolic acid cleans and degreases metals such as copper and aluminum while its electrolytes help create a shiny, polished surface. This type of cleaner cuts through common copper buildup such as carbonate, oxide and casein scales. Glycolic acid mixes safely with other copper cleaning elements such as corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, other acid cleaners and water.

Benefits

• Glycolic acid is only mildly corrosive and has a low toxicity level, making it safe to use on copper over the course of the years. The salts that result from rinsing the buildup from copper with glycolic acid are water soluble, easily washing away from the surface of the metal. This substance is biodegradable; in fact, it has a seven-day biodegradablility value of 89.6 percent, making it a fairly eco-friendly copper cleaner. Glycolic acid is virtually chloride-free and contains a negligible amount of volatile organic compounds.

Other Uses

• Glycolic acid's use is not limited to copper. In the cosmetics industry, this substance lends itself to anti-acne face washes, chemical peels and hair conditioners, due to its cleaning, softening and emulsifying properties. Its numerous industrial applications include adhesives, degradable polymers, electroplating additives, pesticides and detergents. Glycolic acid also serves as a dyeing additive, photographic film wetting agent and battery electrolyte additive.