Antifoams and Defoamers

A defoamer or an anti-foaming agent is a chemical additive that reduces and hinders the formation of foam in industrial process liquids. The terms anti-foam agent and defoamer are often used interchangeably. Commonly used agents are insoluble oils, polydimethylsiloxanes and other silicones, certain alcohols, stearates and glycols. The additive is used to prevent formation of foam or is added to break a foam already formed. In industrial processes, foams pose serious problems. They cause defects on surface coatings. They prevent the efficient filling of containers. A variety of Antifoams & Defoamers available to prevent formation of foams They can be classified as below:

• » Silicone Based Defoamers
• » Non - Silicone Defoamers
• » Oil Based Defoamers
• » Powder Defoamers
• » Water Based Defoamers
• » EO/PO Based Defoamers
• » Polymeric Defoamers
• » Fatty Alcohol Based Defoamers
• » Wax Based Defoamers

Generally a defoamer is insoluble in the foaming medium and has surface active properties. An essential feature of a defoamer product is a low viscosity and a facility to spread rapidly on foamy surfaces. It has affinity to the air-liquid surface where it destabilizes the foam bubbles. This causes rupture of the air bubbles and breakdown of surface foam. Entrained air bubbles are agglomerated, and the larger bubbles rise to the surface of the bulk liquid more quickly.

Defoamers are used to, either control foam formulation or to eliminate foam formed during the intended process & Antifoams are used to prevent the formation of foam during process.

We cater our Foam Control Agents to the following Industries