화학공학소재연구정보센터
홈 로그인 로그아웃 연락처 사이트맵
Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Vol.18, No.5, 1529-1539, September, 2012
DOI10.1016/j.jiec.2012.03.001  Export Citation
A review of hydrofluoric acid and its use in the car wash industry
Homer C. Genuino, Naftali N. Opembe, Eric C. Njagi, Skye McClain1, and Steven L. Suib†
  • Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3060, Storrs, Mansfield, CT 06269, United States, USA
  • 1Nerac, Inc., 1 Technology Drive, Tolland, CT 06084, United States, USA
E-mail:
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is a common ingredient in car wash cleaning solutions mainly because it is highly effective and relatively inexpensive. Particulate matter from brake pads and discs, tire wear, and abrasion of road surface accumulated on the exterior of automobiles are aggressively removed with the use of carwash cleaning solutions containing HF. The unique properties of HF to dissolve silica, concrete, most metals, and metallic oxides cause effective breakdown of rust, road dust, and grime on automobiles. However, HF is a very caustic and a highly toxic substance. Due to hazards associated with the storage, use, and exposure of HF to humans and the environment, there is a need to find safe, yet equally effective alternatives to HF as a cleaning agent. Improvements in cleaning processes, development of available technologies, and utilization of cleaning products containing natural and various benign polymers and surfactants are healthy and environmentally sound alternatives to HF for car wash applications. However, these alternatives may not be as effective as HF. Efforts geared towards finding a replacement for HF remain a challenge, but the outcome would render several benefits to the car wash industry, including abating pollution and providing a safer working environment for everyone.
Keywords:Hydrofluoric acid;Car wash;Automobile;Brake and road dusts;Hypocalcaemia;HF alternatives/replacement
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