Question

Why does my dish washing liquid turn from thick to thin when temperatures rise, and from thin to thick when temperatures go down? My ingredients are: water, caustic soda, sulphonic acid, CDE, sles 70%, formalin, colour, perfume and salt.

Answer 1

The change in consistency of your dishwashing liquid is likely due to the nature of its ingredients and how they respond to temperature variations. Different ingredients can exhibit different behaviors when exposed to temperature changes.

In general, as the temperature rises:

1. Viscosity decrease: Many ingredients in dishwashing liquids, such as surfactants and thickening agents, are sensitive to temperature. As the temperature increases, these substances tend to become less viscous or thick. This can lead to the dishwashing liquid appearing thinner.

2. Solubility increase: Some ingredients, like certain surfactants and salts, can become more soluble in water as the temperature rises. This increased solubility can also contribute to the dishwashing liquid appearing thinner.

On the other hand, as the temperature decreases:

1. Viscosity increase: The opposite effect can occur. Lower temperatures can cause the ingredients, particularly certain surfactants and thickening agents, to become more viscous or thick. This can make the dishwashing liquid appear thicker.

2. Solubility decrease: Certain ingredients may become less soluble in water as the temperature decreases. This reduced solubility can also contribute to the dishwashing liquid appearing thicker.

It's worth noting that the specific behavior of your dishwashing liquid can be influenced by the concentrations and interactions of the ingredients used. The concentration of the individual ingredients, as well as the overall formulation, can affect how they respond to temperature changes.

Additionally, variations in the temperature stability and solubility of the specific ingredients you listed, such as caustic soda, sulphonic acid, SLES 70%, and salt, can contribute to the observed changes in the dishwashing liquid's consistency.

If you have concerns about the performance or consistency of your dishwashing liquid, it's always a good idea to consult the manufacturer or supplier for more specific information regarding the behavior of their product in different temperature conditions.