Defoamers
Defoamers, also known as anti-foams, are chemical additives used to prevent or reduce foam formation in industrial processes. They are employed in systems where foam hinders mixing, heat transfer, filtration, or product quality, such as in papermaking, bioprocesses, paints and coatings, food and beverage processing, and wastewater treatment.
Most defoamers act at the gas-liquid interface of bubbles. They migrate to bubble surfaces, weaken the foam
Applications span many industries, including papermaking and pulp processing, food and beverage manufacturing, fermentation and pharmaceuticals,
Selection and use depend on foam type, temperature, shear, pH, and substrate compatibility, as well as regulatory
Safety and environmental notes: silicone and hydrocarbon defoamers are generally considered low-toxicity but can leave residues