Alkaline detergent formulations
Alkaline detergent formulations are typically used to remove organic
residues and commonly consist of the following ingredients (Moerman,
2003 ; Rohsner, 2005 ):
• NaOH or KOH: these have equal hydrolysation and peptization power
over fat and proteins respectively. Despite its better rinsibility, the use
of KOH is less common due to its cost.
• Silicates, phosphates, phosphonates and citrates: ‘builders’ used for their
suspending properties and to enhance the effi cacy of surfactants in the
removal of soil.