JonMiles
03-14-2010, 02:36 PM
The Chemistry of Car Detailing(this only the start of my research and includes only AP cleaner and Clay)
My research will continue over the next 3 weeks and I will continue to add to this forum.
Car Detailing is a complex process that involves mechanical and chemical engineering in order to clean, restore and protect various surfaces of a motor vehicle. The use of organic compounds, water soluble substrates, polymers, and
inorganic methods contribute to the effectiveness of chemicals in safely decontaminating, modifying, and sealing
various surfaces. This article will cover the chemicals involved in All-purpose cleaners, detailer's clay, car wash
shampoos, polishes, polymer sealants, waxes, leather cleaning and conditioning, and solvent and water based
dressings. The chemicals analyzed are generic brands and this research has not violated any laws. No constituent concentrations of products may be released at the request of the manufacturer.
All-purpose cleaners:
An all-purpose cleaner is a water soluble, basic, ion infused cleaning agent. The prime constituents in this
analysis led to a pH of 9.5 after being diluted 1:5 product to distilled water. The standard had a pH of 9.8
therefore the use of a buffer is conclusive. The atomic absorbtion spectroscopy indicated the prescence of Potassium
and Magnesium Hydroxides, and the use of GC mass spectroscopy indicated the absence of organic solvents and the presence of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate(SDS) as a foaming agent, along with a bi-cyclic organic compound confirmed by
H-nmr and C-nmr. The all-purpose cleaner analyzed was orange in color indicating the use of a dye, and the scent was
a citrus extract as confirmed by the supplier. The use of SDS is to provide a molecular penetration to organic compounds and an encapsulation by ions to allow mechanical removal by use of a towel or brush. All conclusion were verified by the manufacturer for accuracy. The bi-cyclic compound was confirmed as the odorant.
Detailer's Clay:
Detailer's clay is an amorphous solid with blue pigment for the sample used. The detailer's clay shows a hexagonal face centered lattice in x-ray crystalography with a carbonate anion filling the octahedral holes in the lattice. The molecular constituents were confirmed using IR spectroscopy and AA spectroscopy against a standard of CaCO3. The clay was broken down for analysis using 3M sulfuric acid and then neutralized using NaOH to a pH of 6.8. The abrasives are Carbonate based as confirmed by the manufacturer and the amorphous crystal structure allows the amoebic encapsulation of lose particles on the surface of paint. The grit as confirmed by microscopy is approximately 7000 which varies over the surface area due to amorphous structure.
My research will continue over the next 3 weeks and I will continue to add to this forum.
Car Detailing is a complex process that involves mechanical and chemical engineering in order to clean, restore and protect various surfaces of a motor vehicle. The use of organic compounds, water soluble substrates, polymers, and
inorganic methods contribute to the effectiveness of chemicals in safely decontaminating, modifying, and sealing
various surfaces. This article will cover the chemicals involved in All-purpose cleaners, detailer's clay, car wash
shampoos, polishes, polymer sealants, waxes, leather cleaning and conditioning, and solvent and water based
dressings. The chemicals analyzed are generic brands and this research has not violated any laws. No constituent concentrations of products may be released at the request of the manufacturer.
All-purpose cleaners:
An all-purpose cleaner is a water soluble, basic, ion infused cleaning agent. The prime constituents in this
analysis led to a pH of 9.5 after being diluted 1:5 product to distilled water. The standard had a pH of 9.8
therefore the use of a buffer is conclusive. The atomic absorbtion spectroscopy indicated the prescence of Potassium
and Magnesium Hydroxides, and the use of GC mass spectroscopy indicated the absence of organic solvents and the presence of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate(SDS) as a foaming agent, along with a bi-cyclic organic compound confirmed by
H-nmr and C-nmr. The all-purpose cleaner analyzed was orange in color indicating the use of a dye, and the scent was
a citrus extract as confirmed by the supplier. The use of SDS is to provide a molecular penetration to organic compounds and an encapsulation by ions to allow mechanical removal by use of a towel or brush. All conclusion were verified by the manufacturer for accuracy. The bi-cyclic compound was confirmed as the odorant.
Detailer's Clay:
Detailer's clay is an amorphous solid with blue pigment for the sample used. The detailer's clay shows a hexagonal face centered lattice in x-ray crystalography with a carbonate anion filling the octahedral holes in the lattice. The molecular constituents were confirmed using IR spectroscopy and AA spectroscopy against a standard of CaCO3. The clay was broken down for analysis using 3M sulfuric acid and then neutralized using NaOH to a pH of 6.8. The abrasives are Carbonate based as confirmed by the manufacturer and the amorphous crystal structure allows the amoebic encapsulation of lose particles on the surface of paint. The grit as confirmed by microscopy is approximately 7000 which varies over the surface area due to amorphous structure.