There are two huge threads on this. Probably you should read them first.
Record cleaning formula using Triton X-100
Would someone share their recipe for making your own record cleaning solution using Triton X-100? This is the surfactant I have. Also, if you could simplify proportions constrained to a one gallon container, this would be much appreciated. I have seen recipes ranging from a 5% IPA proportion to 25% IPA, and not sure which is too little or too much? The proportion of Triton varies between recipes, as well. I gave up on the thread a while back for the Best Record Cleaning Solution...
This solution would be for use in a record cleaning machine, not an ultra sonic cleaner. Also, would there be a difference in proportion using 91% IPA vs. 99% IPA? I have 91% on hand, but could change to 99% if results would be that much more noticeable. I am not too concerned with drying time. For measuring the Triton, I do have a 5cc and a 1cc syringe, courtesy of my local pharmacy. Thanks.
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Yes. I am aware of this. I have read through numerous threads on other sites and Audiogon; to include the thread entitled "The "Very Best Record Cleaning Formulation." This is, where running the calculation I am finding no consistency with proportions of IPA or Triton X-100. IPA proportions are running between 5% to 25%. How much IPA is too much? A friend uses straight 70% IPA. I think his records sound tinny. Using too much Triton will leave residue, creating the need for, unnecessary, multiple rinses, until water beads.
For these reasons, I was hoping a fellow member would share their experience and proven results. |
The 20% IPA and 0.02-0.05% TX100 in distilled water listed by @lewm is a good detergent receipt, but it requires a rinse - it's not a no-rinse formula. A key property of nonionic surfactants is critical micelle concentration (CMC). Surfactants when they are first added to water collect at the surface lowering the surface tension. There is a concentration when the surface tension will not decrease any further, and this point is known as CMC. At concentrations >CMC, micelles are formed, and this is what provides surfactant detergency. The CMC for TX100 is 189-ppm (~0.02%). If you want detergency from the TX100 versus just wetting, you want to add at least 2xCMC = ~0.04% or at 2.5xCMC =~0.05%. 1-US-gal = 3785-ml. Quantity of TX100 to add for 0.05% = (0.05%/100) x 3785-ml = 1.9-ml, round up to 2-ml. For the IPA 70% or 91% is fine, and for 20% here is the equation for volume of IPA to add: [(0.2-IPA)/(0.7 or 0.91 IPA) x 3785-ml. Example for using 70% IPA is: (0.2)/0.7) x 3785-ml = rounding down ~1000-ml. To add this amount to a 1-gal container of distilled water, pour off about 1100-ml, then add the IPA. FYI, you will come across many that use the nonionic surfactant Tergitol 15-S-9 which is easily purchased Tergitol 15-S-3 and 15-S-9 Surfactant | TALAS. The benefit of 15-S-9 is that the CMC is only 52-ppm (0.0052%). Tergitol 15-S-9 is the replacement for TX100, and the lower CMC allows use of much less surfactant, making it easier to rinse. Also, 15-S-9 mixes into water much faster and that can be seen in the different viscosities - TX100 is 240 cPs, while 15-S-9 is 60 cPs. If you wish to dive into this in future detail this book is available for free - Precision Aqueous Cleaning of Vinyl Records-3rd Edition - The Vinyl Press |
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