EDDM Biocide for Metalworking Fluids (MWF)

EDDM (ethylenedioxy dimethanol, CAS 3586-55-8) is a slow-release formaldehyde-donor biocide that controls bacteria and fungi in water-mixed metalworking fluids. It has excellent water compatibility, a neutral pH, is effective across pH 6–11, does not contain alkanolamines, is non-corrosive to steel and compatible with aluminium — making it well suited to full-synthetic, semi-synthetic and emulsified fluids.

EDDM is suitable for full-synthetic, semi-synthetic and soluble-oil (emulsified) metalworking fluids. It can be added to the concentrate or used as a tank-side additive to restore microbial control in the sump. Because it is fully water-miscible, it disperses readily through the working emulsion.

Typical in-use levels are 0.10% to 0.30% of the diluted working fluid, depending on contamination load, sump size and dilution ratio. For tank-side correction of an infected sump, dose to the target in-use active concentration and monitor with dip-slides. Confirm compatibility in your specific concentrate before scale-up.

No. EDDM is essentially non-corrosive to steel and is compatible with aluminium at recommended use levels, which is important for mixed-metal machining operations. Its neutral pH and alkanolamine-free chemistry avoid the staining and corrosion issues associated with some other biocide chemistries.

EDDM is primarily a bactericide with broad activity, including against gram-negative bacteria that commonly infect metalworking sumps. For persistent fungal or mould problems, it can be paired with a fungistatic partner. Its slow formaldehyde release provides sustained protection between top-ups.

The standard 90–92% grade is used for most metalworking-fluid applications. Choose the 95% grade only if you want higher active content per kilogram in a concentrate. See our EDDM grades selection guide for the full comparison.