Ozone water degreasing how it works: the mechanism of action explained

Degreasing with ozone water is based on a specific chemical mechanism that differs from the action of traditional degreasers. Those who understand this mechanism can make more deliberate choices about when ozone water is most effective and when other methods remain necessary. Traditional chemical degreasers work via solvents or surfactants that encapsulate the grease, emulsify it and then make it rinsable with water. Ozone water works differently: it uses the oxidising power of dissolved ozone to attack the chemical structure of the grease itself. Dissolved ozone is a strong oxidising agent with a short lifespan in water. As soon as it comes into contact with organic compounds, an oxidation reaction starts in which the chemical bonds in the fat molecules are attacked. Fatty acids and lipids contain unsaturated bonds that are particularly reactive to ozone. Ozone reacts with those double bonds and breaks the molecular chain into shorter fragments. Those fragments are more soluble in water and detach from the surface. The practical consequence of that reaction is that the grease at the surface loses its structure and loosens. It adheres less strongly to the underlying material and can then be mechanically removed with a cloth. The extent of the oxidation reaction depends on three variables: the ozone concentration in the water, the contact time and the nature of the grease. At higher ozone concentration the reaction proceeds faster. At longer contact time the reaction is more complete, because more ozone molecules get the chance to react with fat molecules at the surface. The nature of the grease determines how fast the reaction proceeds: vegetable oils with many unsaturated bonds react faster than animal fats or mineral oils with more saturated bonds. Carbonised grease, such as burnt residue on cooking surfaces, has a strongly altered chemical structure that is less reactive to ozone oxidation. For this type of grease contamination, ozone water is not effective as the only treatment. Another relevant aspect of how ozone water works for degreasing is the absence of chemical residues. After the oxidation reaction, the ozone in the water decomposes to oxygen and water. No active chemical substances remain on the surface. This is relevant for environments where residue from cleaning agents is undesirable, such as in food preparation or when in contact with sensitive materials. This article explains the mechanisms of action step by step and connects them to the practical conditions under which ozone water degreases most effectively. A solid understanding of the mechanism of action is the basis for targeted use of ozone water as a degreaser in the daily professional cleaning practice of cleaning teams and facility service providers on the work floor A solid understanding of the mechanism of action is the basis for targeted use of ozone water as a degreaser in the daily professional cleaning practice of cleaning teams and facility service providers on the work floor A solid understanding of the mechanism of action is the basis for targeted use of ozone water as a degreaser in the daily professional cleaning practice of cleaning teams and facility service providers on the work floor A solid understanding of the mechanism of action is the basis for targeted use of ozone water as a degreaser in the daily professional cleaning practice of cleaning teams and facility service providers on the work floor A solid understanding of the mechanism of action is the basis for targeted use of ozone water as a degreaser in the daily professional cleaning practice of cleaning teams and facility service providers on the work floor A solid understanding of the mechanism of action is the