EDDM Biocide for Metalworking Fluids (MWF)
(Ethylenedioxy)dimethanol (EDDM, CAS 3586-55-8) is a slow-release, formaldehyde-donor biocide developed for water-mixed metalworking fluids. It keeps synthetic, semi-synthetic and emulsified fluids free of bacterial and fungal spoilage while staying neutral in pH, aluminium-safe and non-corrosive to steel.
Quick answer: EDDM is dosed at 0.10–0.30% in the working metalworking fluid. It is effective across pH 6–11, contains no alkanolamines, is non-corrosive to steel and compatible with aluminium — suitable for full-synthetic, semi-synthetic and emulsified fluids, in the concentrate or as a tank-side additive.
EDDM in Metalworking Fluids — Key Properties
| Property | EDDM behaviour |
|---|---|
| Effective pH range | pH 6 – 11 |
| Steel corrosion | Non-corrosive at use levels |
| Aluminium compatibility | Compatible — no adverse effect on aluminium |
| Alkanolamine content | None |
| Water miscibility | Complete |
| Fluid types | Full-synthetic, semi-synthetic, emulsified |
| Typical dosage | 0.10 – 0.30% of working fluid |
How to Use EDDM in the Sump
- Add to the concentrate for built-in protection, or dose tank-side to correct an infected sump.
- Dose to the target in-use active concentration (0.10–0.30%) and mix thoroughly.
- Monitor microbial load with dip-slides and top up as the fluid is diluted / consumed.
- Maintain fluid at recommended concentration and pH to sustain biocide efficacy.
Related Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is EDDM used as a metalworking-fluid biocide?
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.
Which types of metalworking fluid can EDDM protect?
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.
What dosage of EDDM is used in metalworking fluids?
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.
Is EDDM corrosive to metal or harmful to aluminium?
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.
Does EDDM control both bacteria and fungi in the sump?
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.
What grade of EDDM should I buy for metalworking fluids?
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.
Protect your metalworking fluids with EDDM
Vasudev Chemo Pharma manufactures EDDM (CAS 3586-55-8) for metalworking-fluid formulators and machine shops — with dosage support, batch COA, and global export from our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility in Gujarat, India.