Perchloroethylene – also known as C2Cl4, tetrachloroethylene, PCE, and PERC - is a colorless, nonflammable liquid chemical associated with dry cleaning, printing, and shoe maintenance, among its other starring roles. It has a slightly sweet odor that is easily recognizable even in the smallest amounts of a solvent. The industrial chemical supplier, Bell Chem, stocks this versatile chemical for the following uses.

Dry Cleaning: Interestingly, dry cleaning is not dry at all. Instead, water is replaced with another solvent; generally perchloroethylene – the most widely used dry cleaning solvent in the world – fits this bill and is capable of removing an abundance of organic soils and contaminants.

Degreasing: As a solvent, perchloroethylene acts in an oil, grease, or buffing capacity with metal parts. Hard to reach parts benefit from perchloroethylene vapor, which can reach inside tiny crevices liquids are likely to miss.

Automotive Parts: Brakes and other automobile parts with carbon, dirt, or oil build-up are more easily cleaned with a perchloroethylene solvent. Rubber coatings for automobiles and other industrial machines are possible because of this important chemical.

Creation of Other Chemicals: Perchloroethylene acts as the raw material for chlorofluorocarbons and for the synthesis of hydrofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon. The chloride ions within perchloroethylene act as catalyst promoters and reformers.

Textiles: The scouring, sizing, and desizing properties of perchloroethylene give it appeal to the aerospace industry, which protects surfaces with this chemical during chemical etching processes.

Aerosol Products: Perchloroethylene is used as a solvent in spotting agents and cleaners for removing spinning oils and lubricants and as a carrier in silicones, fabrics, rubbers, glues, and adhesives.

Since the 1930s, perchloroethylene has been sought after for its many abilities, but most especially in dry cleaning. As an ingredient in solvent soaps, printing inks, sealants, paper coatings, leather treatments, polishes, cleaners, and lubricants, it seems a beneficial all-purpose chemical. Contact Bell Chem at 407-339-2355 (BELL) to discover how your business can benefit from stocking perchloroethylene and any of the other products inventoried by Florida’s industrial chemical supplier. Our blogs explain many of our products and their uses.