BRONOPOL - MATERIALS COMPATIBILITY

During the development of Bronopol (2-Bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol) for industrial uses, a range of studies has been performed to assess its compatibility with construction, manufacturing and packaging materials.  A summary of the findings is presented below.

Metals

A series of metal coupons was either fully or partly immersed in a (20%) solution of Bronopol (Myacide^® S1) or in a dilute solution representative of likely in-use levels (0.02%, 200ppm).  The coupons were examined after 85 days continuous contact at ambient temperature.  The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1 – The effect of Bronopol Solutions on a Range of Metals

Other corrosion tests were carried out on mild steel grade C1018 and aluminium grade 7075-T6 using liquid Bronopol formulations Myacide S2 (50%); Myacide S30 (30%) and Myacide S1 (20%).

Metal coupons were fully or half immersed in the test liquors at 55°C for 8 hours per day over a 17 day test period.  General surface corrosion or localised pitting corrosion was observed with all the test solutions against both metals.

In conclusion, concentrated solutions of bronopol may be corrosive to certain metals if left in contact for any significant period.  Spillages of the concentrate should be washed off immediately to prevent the likelihood of corrosion occurring.

Dilute solutions of Bronopol at a level representative of normal usage level are compatible with a wide range of metals.  In addition, experience based on over 5 years of commercial use in cooling water, paper processing and metal working fluid applications confirms that bronopol at in-use concentrations does not present a corrosive hazard to system components and materials.

Plastics and Polymers

The following assessments were made on the materials listed in Table 2 below after a test period of 49 or 85 days.

Table 2: The Effect of Bronopol Solutions on Plastics and Polymers.

*           The two rubbers showed some swelling and weight gains due possibly to the solvent in the concentrate.

            N.T. = Not tested

Bronopol, both as a concentrate and as a dilute solution, shows a high level of compatibility with a wide range of plastic, polymeric and other materials which are likely to be used in packaging and processing systems.

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The information contained in this sheet is believed to be accurate but is given without warranty.