Alkaline detergents come in two forms. Ionic and non-ionic. Ionic detergents contain free Hydroxyl (free Hydrogen) ions and Non ionic detergents do not have free Hydrogen. 99.5% or thereabouts alkaline detergents are ionic.
The free hydrogen can be absorbed by heat treated steel. The entrained hydrogen will migrate to the point of highest stress causing the item to fracture under high stress. This is called Hydrogen Embrittlement.
Alkaline detergents can also cause stress fracture on parts made of PolyCarbonate plastic. These alkaline detergents are wicked so, choose wisely.
That is why the US Military has banned them from use on aircraft.
Has the sky fallen yet? Better yet, have you seen any wolves?
