Record cleaning formula using Triton X-100

I’d been using 20% IPA and about .01 to .05% TX100 for decades before the Wizz’s post. As you know he recommended other detergents and ethanol, not IPA.

@toddnlg,

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

@toddnlg,

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. 

One note of caution - the above blend with 20% IPA is intended for small quantity cleaning processes at room temperature such as manual cleaning or vacuum-RCM which is how @lewm uses it.  The NFPA would classify 20% as flammable and use in a heated ultrasonic tank in large volumes (liters) is risky.  There's always some consternation about this, because there is always someone who will say they did and never had a problem.  You do not know the full circumstances of how they were using it - the UT tank and the environment - how well ventilated.  The vapors coming off the tank will have an IPA concentration higher than the liquid in the tank. 

I always say, never confuse luck with design, so, I am doing due diligence.  But everyone sets their own threshold of how much they what they are willing to gamble, so be it.

I totally agree with Antinn based on personal experience. When I finally adopted the practice of rinsing with distilled water after washing with the above concoction, I definitely heard an improvement compared to prior years when I did not rinse but did everything else the same. So I wash with the solution, then dry with vacuum, then rinse liberally with distilled water, then dry again with vacuum, using VPI HW17.  That's the ticket.

@lewm ​@antinn  Thank you!. This is what I was hoping for.  To confirm proportions with those who are trustworthy and knowledgeable.  The explanation of CMC and their respective ppm is enlightening to, why Terigol is preferred to Triton. Wish I understood this, before I purchased the triton. Will make the switch.

The need for no rinse was not intended.  I do believe rinsing is necessary. My concern was using too much cleaner to, where I would need to rinse repeatedly to remove the excess triton.  The use of ethanol is, probably, fine, as recommended.  It, just, sounds damaging.

I went with Triton X 100, initially, as it seemed to be a positive alternative approved by wizzard,s post. I see why Terigol-S-9 is preferred. Tergitol 15-S-7 was the recommended surfactant.  Not having a commercial account, I was unable to purchase it.  I attempted calling several suppliers. Each supplier required a commercial account. Figured it was worth a phone call to try.  With understanding CMC, I think Tergitol 15-S-9 and, even, Triton I will be fine. Just, need more of it.  Then, to dilute it seems the recommended process is to add the surfactant to IPA first. Then, add the IPA solution to H2O for quicker dispersion.