6 N-Acyl ED3A Chelating Surfactants: Properties and Applications in ...

Alkyl Polyglycosides 41
FIG. 29 Cleaning efficiency according to IPP.
TABLE 12 Plastics in Bathrooms
Plastic sensitve to Plastic less sensitive to
environmental stress cracking environmental stress cracking
Acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene Cellulose propionate
ABS/polycarbonate Polyamide
Polycarbonate Polymethylene, polyformaldehyde
Polymethacrylate Polypropylene
surfactant components investigated were C 8/10 -APG, FAEO (8 EO), FAS, SAS,
and FAES. Another important performance feature of bathroom cleaners besides
their actual cleaning performance is the avoidance of environmental stress cracking
in components made of plastic, including handles, water overflows in bath
tubs, fitting, or shower holders. Important bathroom plastics are listed according
to their sensitivity to environmental stress cracking (ESC) in Table 12. By interacting
with the various ingredients present in bathroom cleaners, plastics can develop
environmental stress cracks which, in the past, have resulted in
considerable claims against the manufacturers. In the laboratory, environmental
stress cracking effects can be simulated both by the pin impression method and
by the ben strip method [61]. In the pin impression method, the plastic is prestressed
by indentation with a steel pin and is then immersed in the test solution
for 15 min. The plastic is then dried and evaluated after 24 hours.
In the ben strip method, plastic strips are prestressed by weights. The test solution
is then allowed to act on the plastic strips for 15 min. The strips are then dried
and likewise evaluated after 24 hours. The results obtained with low-concentration