Isopropyl alcohol (IPA), or isopropanol, isopropanol is a versatile and highly effective raw material used in many industries. We offer high-purity isopropanol for professional industrial use, as well as for use in biocidal products - in line with current EU legislation. The substance is valued for its very good degreasing properties, rapid evaporation and its ability to be used in a variety of technological processes. In practice, this translates into more efficient cleaning, shorter downtimes and better quality control in production and maintenance departments.

Isopropanol is sometimes used both as a stand-alone raw material and as a component of process mixtures. In many applications, the repeatability of batch parameters is crucial, which is why the industry pays particular attention to the quality of the raw material and compliance with documentation (e.g. SDS). The choice of use, concentrations and procedures should be driven by the process technology and health and safety requirements of the plant.

Use of isopropanol (IPA) in industry

IPA is widely used in industries where effective cleaning, degreasing and rapid drying of surfaces after application are important. Isopropanol is a popular choice where it is important to reduce cleaning residues and be able to implement standard operating procedures under controlled production conditions.

• Household chemicals - Isopropanol as an ingredient in cleaners, degreasers and disinfectant formulations; promotes cleaning efficiency and facilitates application in professional solutions.
• Manufacture of paints and varnishes - Isopropanol can improve the solubility of selected components, promote a stable viscosity of the mixture and influence the drying rate (depending on the formulation).
• Plastics processing - for the cleaning of line components, tools and working surfaces and for the removal of technological dirt that may impair product quality.
• Electronics, optics and metallurgy - Isopropanol for precision cleaning and degreasing when accuracy, repeatability and rapid surface drying are important.
• Woodworking - as an ingredient in care and maintenance formulations and application support in industrial applications.

Isopropanol - process benefits

In industrial applications, isopropanol is appreciated for its predictable process behaviour and ease of implementation into operational procedures. The most commonly cited benefits are:

• Effective degreasing - supports the preparation of the surface for further operations (e.g. gluing, painting, assembly) according to the requirements of the technology.
• Rapid evaporation - can reduce the drying time after cleaning and make it easier to keep workstations running smoothly.
• Versatility - Isopropanol works well as a raw material on its own or as a component of process mixtures (depending on the formulation and purpose).
• Repeatability - important in series production, where stability of parameters and predictability of effects in the long term are crucial.

Isopropanol for biocides

Ima Polska S.A. by decision of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) no. ACC-D-1481415-58-00/F is included in the list of approved suppliers of active substances in accordance with Article 95 of Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012. This allows us to legally offer isopropanol for use in biocidal products, including: disinfectant preparations, antiseptics and cleaners, and surface and hand hygiene products - always in accordance with the regulatory requirements for the application and the product documentation.

In practice, this means that isopropanol can be supplied to manufacturers and users in the biocides manufacturing chain, subject to the appropriate formalities, labelling rules and safety requirements. The details of the use in a particular product should be based on its intended use and the legal and quality requirements.

Safety and health: isopropanol in an industrial environment

Isopropanol is a flammable substance and should therefore only be used in controlled environments, observing health and safety rules and in accordance with the safety data sheet (SDS). It is advisable to work in well-ventilated areas, avoid sources of ignition, implement procedures to deal with spills and use personal protective equipment appropriate to the process and risk assessment. Conditions of use should be established internally in the plant and be consistent with job requirements.

Isopropanol storage and shelf life

Isopropanol should be stored in tightly closed packaging, protected from evaporation and access of air. It is recommended to store at room temperature, in a dry and ventilated place, away from sources of fire, high temperature and direct light. Validity period is 12 months (under proper storage conditions).