Why is D-Limonene a Good Solvent?

A d-Limonene solvent consists of the oil that is left after citrus fruits go through an extensive process of extracting the juice from the fruit and then separating the juice from the oil. This ends with a food-grade d-Limonene.

The remaining peels next go through a steaming process which yields even more oil. This is a technical grade d-Limonene used as a solvent in many cleaning products.

D-Limonene is also known as Citrus Terpenes and is “a natural, mild, and environmentally-friendly fragrance, degumming agent, and powerful cleaner.”

One example of this type of product takes the form of VertecBio’s Citrus #1. This is a strong cleaner with a citrus scent that falls under the category of ready-to-use, bio-based solvent cleaners and removers. Also available is VertecBio’s Citrus I20. This is still ready-to-use, but thanks to its composition it is ideal for paint line flushing and oily surfaces. Finally we have VertecBio’s Citrus BA 135. This cleaner and remover is suitable for polyurethanes and for use as an NMP replacement.

D-Limonene Benefits

There are many benefits to using d-limonene solvent as a cleaner. Some are:

• biodegradable.
• contains no ozone-depleting chemicals.
• approved by the FDA for use in food.
• approved for use by the EPA since it does not negatively affect the environment.
• not carcinogenic
• a versatile product and even replaces the possibly toxic turpentine in paint thinner.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies d-Limonene as a non-toxic chemical. It biodegrades quickly and is much less toxic than other solvents it replaces, such as chlorinated solvents.

D-Limonene Solvent Uses

D-Limonene solvent can replace many undesirable solvents like acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, and xylene. It can also replace most of the chlorinated solvents. By itself, it is not water-soluble so in manufacturing for specific uses, like removing tar and asphalt, a special surfactant is added.

One major use of d-Limonene is in cleaning products. Combined with surfactants, which means “surface active agent” and cleaning products blended in different amounts with solvents like d-Limonene, and add chemicals, like calcium and magnesium, to create the cleaning product.

Solvents are used so the cleaning product can be used on fuels, oils, grease, asphalt, and more.

There are different uses of d-Limonene depending on how much of it is contained in a specific product.

Products containing more than 50 percent d-Limonene: These are used for removing adhesives, asphalt, gum, hydrocarbon soils, inks, tar, and wax. Some companies use a 90 percent d-Limonene product to clean trucks, construction machinery, and other heavy-duty items that get oily and dirty.

Products containing 20 to 50 percent d-Limonene: These products are used where it is not necessary for the cleaner to foam or be used as a detergent. They are often used in the automotive industry, such as for brake cleaners and engine degreasers. They generally contain a surfactant, so they are easily rinsed off.

These products range from hand cleaners to products used in cleaning mechanics shops and commercial kitchens.

Products containing less than 20 percent of d-Limonene: There are only about eight percent of all cleaning products categorized as detergents that contain d-Limonene that contain less than 20 percent of it. These are glass cleaners, floor cleaners, upholstery cleaners, and similar products.