Descrizione
HYDROLIGROIN™
Low environmental impact water–ligroin emulsion — the green alternative to pure ligroin
LCA verified: >25 % reduction in environmental impact | Zero residues | Equivalent evaporation
What it is
Hydroligroin™ is an inverse emulsion of ligroin (petroleum ether, fraction 100–140 °C) and water in equimolar ratio, stabilised with a proprietary low environmental impact surfactant system. Specifically developed for the professional cleaning of artworks and historic artefacts, it reduces the overall environmental impact — calculated through Life Cycle Assessment — by more than 25 % compared to pure ligroin, while maintaining identical solvent effectiveness on nonpolar substances.
Why it matters
Pure ligroin is one of the most widely used solvents in conservation for removing waxes, natural resins and aged oil varnishes. However, it comes with high VOC emissions, strong odour, significant fire risk, and a heavy environmental footprint. Hydroligroin™ solves all of these problems in one product: same cleaning power, dramatically lower impact.
Laboratory studies using FTIR-ATR spectroscopy on non-porous and low-porosity substrates have confirmed that the system leaves no residue on the treated surface. The evaporation rate is comparable to that of pure ligroin, ensuring equivalent working times.
Key features
✓ Direct substitute for pure ligroin — no workflow changes needed
✓ 25 % reduction in overall environmental impact (LCA verified, Climate change & Human toxicity)
✓ Significant reduction in effective VOC emissions during use
✓ Improved fire safety vs pure ligroin
✓ No residue on treated surfaces (confirmed by FTIR-ATR)
✓ Reduced solvent consumption per m²
✓ Dilutable with deionised water (up to 25 mL per 100 mL) for milder action
✓ Equivalent selectivity towards nonpolar substances
✓ Equimolar water/ligroin ratio
How it works
Application phase: The emulsion is applied with a cotton swab. The ligroin, compartmentalised within the emulsion system, is selectively released upon contact with the nonpolar layer to be removed (varnish, wax, lipophilic deposits).
Action phase: The ligroin dissolves and mobilises the nonpolar soiling, while the aqueous phase — due to its affinity with the hydroxyl groups of cotton cellulose — remains preferentially absorbed within the swab.
Removal phase: The swab captures the solubilised soiling residues. Complete evaporation of the system leaves no residue on the treated surface.
Applications
✓ Removal of aged oil varnishes from canvas and panel paintings
✓ Removal of natural waxes (beeswax) and synthetic waxes (paraffin) from stone and painted surfaces
✓ Removal of natural resins (dammar, mastic) from paintings and historic furniture
✓ Degreasing of lipophilic deposits from frescoes, wall paintings and polychrome surfaces
✓ Cleaning of greasy particulate deposits from heritage materials
✓ Thinning of aged synthetic varnishes (with reduced effectiveness)
How to use
Preparation: Shake the bottle vigorously before use to ensure emulsion homogeneity. For milder action, dilute with deionised water up to 25 mL per 100 mL of product while maintaining emulsion stability.
Application: Soak a cotton swab with Hydroligroin™. Apply with gentle circular movements on the surface. Recommended contact time: 30 s – 3 min depending on the nature and thickness of the layer to be removed. Recommended temperature: 18–25 °C.
Removal: Wipe with a clean, dry cotton swab. If necessary, rinse with deionised water. Check the result under raking light before proceeding with further passes.
Important: Always perform a preliminary test on an inconspicuous area. Do not apply on water-sensitive surfaces without prior assessment (e.g., lean tempera, unprotected watercolours).
Environmental profile — Life Cycle Assessment
LCA analysis (cradle-to-gate, ISO 14040/14044) per kilogram of product. Categories evaluated: Climate change, Human toxicity.
| Impact category | vs pure ligroin |
| Climate change (kg CO₂ eq) | −25 % |
| Human toxicity, non-cancer | −25 % |
The reduction is primarily driven by the replacement of approximately 30–50 % of the organic solvent with water, which carries negligible environmental burden, and by the reduced VOC emissions during application.
Advantages over pure ligroin
| Parameter | Pure ligroin | Hydroligroin™ |
| Overall LCA impact | Reference (100 %) | < 75 % (reduction > 25 %) |
| VOC emissions during use | High | Significantly reduced |
| Odour during application | Strong, characteristic | Reduced |
| Fire risk | High | Reduced |
| Solvent consumption per m² | Reference (100 %) | Reduced (~65 %) |
| Dilutability | Not dilutable | Dilutable with water |
| Selectivity | Good (nonpolar) | Equivalent |
| Surface residues | Minimal | None (FTIR-ATR) |
| Evaporation rate | Reference | Comparable |
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Appearance | Homogeneous white milky emulsion |
| Water/ligroin ratio | Equimolar |
| Ligroin fraction | 100–140 °C (petroleum ether) |
| pH (aqueous phase) | 6.5–7.5 |
| Density (20 °C) | 0.75–0.82 g/mL |
| Viscosity (25 °C) | 5–15 mPa·s |
| Stability (25 °C, static) | > 6 months |
| Residues after evaporation | None (FTIR-ATR) |
| Evaporation rate | Comparable to pure ligroin |
| Preferential solubility | Nonpolar substances |
| Maximum dilution | 25 mL water per 100 mL product |
| Operating temperature | 18–25 °C |
Safety & compliance
Despite the improved risk profile compared to pure ligroin, the following precautions are recommended: nitrile gloves, safety goggles, adequate ventilation. In confined spaces, use a Type A filter mask (organic vapours). Store in a cool, dry place away from heat sources (5–35 °C). Dispose according to local regulations for waste containing organic solvents (EWC 14 06 03*).
Hazard statements: H225, H304, H315, H336, H411. Signal word: DANGER.
Full Safety Data Sheet available for download: SDS_HYDROLIGROIN | SDS_HYDROLIGROIN
Packaging: 250 mL — 500 mL — 1 000 mL (HDPE). Shelf life: 12 months.
For professional use only.
Recensioni
Ancora non ci sono recensioni.