Anti-foaming agents

Anti-foaming agents are chemical substances that are used in various areas of surface technology to prevent or control the formation of foam. In surface technology, foam formation and stability can have undesirable effects, such as impairing coating processes or reducing the efficiency of separation processes.

The application of antifoam agents in surface technology is typically done by adding them to the liquid or solution in which foaming may occur. These substances work by reducing the surface tension of the liquid, causing air bubbles to burst faster and the foam to break down.

Anti-foaming agents are used in a wide range of applications, including paint and varnish production, the paper and pulp industry, food processing, chemical production and wastewater treatment. In these areas, they help to make production processes more efficient, improve product quality and prevent operational disruptions due to foaming.

There are different types of antifoam agents, including silicone-based, oil-based and polymer-based products. The selection of the appropriate antifoam agent depends on the specific requirements of the application as well as environmental and health aspects. In many cases, antifoams are used in low concentrations to ensure effective foam control without compromising the desired properties of the product or process.

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This definition is taken from the surface technology encyclopedia from Surface Technology Online. You can find many more technical terms from the surface technology industry in our lexicon overview.

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