70% Isopropyl Alcohol vs. 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
If you are interested in learning about 99% isopropyl alcohol, chances are you have heard of 70% isopropyl alcohol. 70% isopropyl alcohol is one of the most common concentrations of isopropyl alcohol on the market, and for good reason- it boasts a wide variety of uses. As its name suggests, it consists of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 30% water. Conversely, 99% of isopropyl alcohol is almost entirely isopropyl alcohol.
Research has shown that isopropyl alcohol at concentrations greater than 90% is not particularly effective at disinfecting surfaces and eliminating bacteria and viruses. One explanation for this observation is that water catalyzes the reaction of isopropyl alcohol with microbial cell walls, so when only a small amount of water is present, this cannot occur. Water also reduces isopropyl alcohol’s evaporation rate. This increases its surface contact time, which ultimately provides it with more time to kill bacteria and viruses. For these reasons, 70% isopropyl alcohol is usually chosen over 99% isopropyl alcohol for disinfecting purposes.
Uses of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Despite these apparent drawbacks, 99% isopropyl alcohol does possess several useful applications, such as:
- Electronics Cleaner – Thanks to its high evaporation rate, 99% isopropyl alcohol is excellent at cleaning electronics. It can be used on circuit boards, computer chips, medical devices, and other components without damaging them.
- Solvent – 99% isopropyl alcohol is employed as a solvent in products such as paint thinners, paint strippers, and inks.
- Nail Cleaner – Beyond industrial functions, 99% isopropyl alcohol can also be used for personal care purposes. It is sometimes utilized at nail salons to clean clients’ nails prior to applying nail polish. This allows the nail polish to adhere better, making the manicure or pedicure last longer!
Hazards of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol
Prior to handling 99% isopropyl alcohol, it is important to be aware of its hazards. Due to its high concentration, it is extremely flammable, more so than 70% isopropyl alcohol. It also carries the possibility of causing dizziness if used in poorly ventilated areas. By taking the proper precautions when working with 99% isopropyl alcohol, one can avoid these issues.
Looking for Isopropyl Alcohol?
Now that you have learned about 70% and 99% isopropyl alcohol, are you wondering where to purchase isopropyl alcohol? Here at BulkChemicals2Go, we offer a number of chemical solutions, including isopropyl alcohol. Our products are available in bulk sizes and formulated with eco-friendly ingredients. Plus, we provide toll blending services for customers looking for customized solutions. If you have any questions or are ready to buy, please contact us today!