Principle of defoamer-exploring the mystery of foam disappearance

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Principle of defoamer-exploring the mystery of foam disappearance
By : Zilibon Chemical

2024/9/3
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Foam, this seemingly light existence, often brings many troubles in industrial production and daily life. From excessive foam in detergents affecting the cleaning effect to foam in chemical production that may cause safety hazards, defoaming agents have become an important means to solve the foam problem. So, how does the defoaming agent make the foam disappear? Let us explore the mechanism of defoaming agents and uncover the mystery of foam disappearance.

1. Formation and stability of foam
The formation of foam is mainly due to the presence of substances such as surfactants in the liquid. These substances can reduce the surface tension of the liquid, making it easier for air to enter the liquid and form foam. At the same time, the surfactant forms a tight film on the surface of the foam, which increases the stability of the foam.
The stability of the foam is also affected by other factors, such as the size and shape of the foam, the viscosity of the liquid, etc. Generally speaking, small foam is more stable than large foam, spherical foam is more stable than irregularly shaped foam, and foam is more stable in high-viscosity liquids.

2. Mode of action of defoamers

Destroy the role of surfactants
The ingredients in defoamers can interact with surfactants, destroy the adsorption and arrangement of surfactants on the foam surface, and thus reduce the stability of the foam. For example, some defoamers contain substances with similar structures to surfactants, which can competitively adsorb on the foam surface, replace surfactants, and make the foam film weak.

Reduce surface tension
Defoamers can reduce the surface tension of liquids, reduce the pressure difference inside and outside the foam, and thus promote the foam to break. This mode of action is usually achieved through surfactants in defoamers, which have lower surface activity than the surfactants that form the foam.

Destroy the structure of the foam film
Some ingredients in defoamers can be inserted into the foam film, destroying the structure of the film and making it fragile. For example, some defoamers contain polymers or granular substances, which can form defects in the foam film and cause the foam to break.

Promote the diffusion of gas in the foam
Defoamers can promote the diffusion of gas molecules in the foam to the surrounding environment, thereby reducing the volume of the foam. This mode of action is usually achieved by increasing the solubility of gas in liquid. For example, some defoamers contain substances that can react chemically with gas, making gas more soluble in liquid.

3. Selection and application of defoamers
When selecting defoamers, many factors need to be considered, such as the nature of foam, application scenarios, and cost. Different types of defoamers are suitable for different foam systems, so they need to be selected according to specific circumstances.

When applying defoamers, attention should be paid to the method of use and dosage. Generally speaking, defoamers can be added directly to the foam system or by spraying, dripping, etc. The dosage should be determined according to the severity of the foam and the performance of the defoamer. Excessive use of defoamers may cause other problems.

In short, defoamers achieve defoaming functions through multiple mechanisms such as destroying the action of surfactants, reducing surface tension, destroying the structure of the foam film, and promoting gas diffusion in the foam. Understanding the mechanism of defoamers is of great significance for the correct selection and use of defoamers, which can help us effectively solve foam problems and improve production efficiency and product quality.
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