Anti-redeposition polymers explained
What SunRedep does in detergent and cleaning formulations, and how its two grades differ.
Soil redeposition
In the wash, dirt lifted off fabric can settle back. Over many washes this greys whites and dulls colours.
How the polymer helps
An anionic polymer adsorbs on loosened soil and keeps it dispersed in the wash liquor, so it rinses away instead of returning to the fabric.
Encrustation
In hard water, calcium and magnesium form deposits on fabric and machine parts. Anionic polymers hold these salts dispersed and interfere with crystal growth.
SC03 or SC10
SunRedep SC03 is high charge density, 47–53% solids, pH 2.5–4.0, 12-month shelf life. SC10 is very high charge density, 38–42% solids, pH 6.0–8.0, 6-month shelf life.
Storage
Both are clear liquids in drums; store at 0–35 °C.
Related
Polyelectrolyte dosing guide
Starting doses, solution strength and how to work out kilograms per day.
Read →How to check one on your own formulation
The effect of an anti-redeposition polymer shows up over repeat washes, not in one wash. A simple in-house check: wash standard soiled cloth swatches several times with your base formula and again with the polymer added, then compare the grey build-up on a clean white cloth in the same load.
Keep the water, the temperature and the load the same, change only the polymer, and record the dose. Check the pH of your formulation against the grade, since SunRedep SC03 and SC10 work at different pH ranges (SC03 pH 2.5–4.0, SC10 pH 6–8, as in their specification sheets).
Also confirm the polymer stays clear and mixes in at your process temperature, and check stability over a few weeks of storage before you scale up.
Not sure which grade suits your water?
Send us a one-litre sample or describe your process. We test it in our lab free of charge and recommend a grade and starting dose, and quote within 1 business hour.