Peracetic Acid
Peracetic acid (CH₃CO₃H) is an oxidising peracid used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. It is sold mixed with hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid.
It is made by reacting acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide; the reaction is an equilibrium, which is why commercial products contain all four substances. It acts by oxidising the proteins, enzymes and membranes of microorganisms, so its action does not depend on any specific receptor. It breaks down into acetic acid, water and oxygen, and has a characteristic pungent, vinegar-like smell.
It is used mainly to disinfect equipment and facilities in the food industry, including closed circuits (CIP), and as a bleaching agent in laundries. It should not be used on oxidation-sensitive metals without checking compatibility, nor mixed with other products. The concentrates are corrosive and oxidising: they require gloves, goggles and good ventilation, as stated on the label.
Instaquim products containing peracetic acid, according to their technical data sheets:
- Oxa Per (peracetic acid 5 % and hydrogen peroxide 23 %; pH (1 %) 2.0; at 1 %, about 15 min, at 20-50 ºC; UNE-EN 13697 under clean conditions; registration 17-20/40-05521-HA): bactericidal and fungicidal disinfectant for food industry facilities, also by recirculation (CIP). Rinse with water after application.
- Oximatic + (pH (1 %) 2.0; 2-6 g per kg of dry laundry with an automatic peristaltic dosing pump): bleaching agent for automatic washing based on stabilised peracetic acid.
- Machine Clean (about 40 g/kg, at about 60 ºC for about 30 min, with the washing machine empty): periodic care and hygiene of washing machines.