xxxxxPress Chemistry

Aromatic or Aliphatic? The difference

Aromatic washes are more aggressive in their cleaning and have more associated hazards than Aliphatic washes. Aromatic chemicals certainly have their place but, where alternatives are available they are rapidly being replaced with Aliphatic chemistry.

Of importance is the chemical structure of these two categories, Aromatics have a ring structure and Aliphatics are long chains of carbon atoms. The behavior of each category is very different. The relatively small size of the aromatic particle allows it to penetrate quickly and deeply into rubber rollers and blankets and also into biological systems (such as skin). Hence more care is required on use as these products have an increased hazard rating.