What Is The Relationship Between Antifoaming Agents And Surfactants?

Defoamers are surface active agents? This question is quite technical. In fact, many workers who are new to using defoamers often ponder this question: since defoamers are processing aids, are they not surface active agents? Since everyone is curious, let me explain this issue using oil defoamers as an example.

Let me first clarify that surfactants have many functions, and different HLB values have different effects. When the HLB value of a surfactant reaches 1-3, it exhibits defoaming properties, but this is limited to certain areas rather than all applications. This is why many people mistakenly believe that surfactants are defoamers; in fact, they are different types of products. Now, I will explain the distinction between oil defoamers and surfactant defoamers.

The difference between defoamers and surfactants.

1. Each has its own defoaming method.

Defoaming agents can suppress foaming, while surfactants cannot.

The chemical stability of defoamers is in stark contrast to that of surfactants.

The main function of a defoamer is to eliminate foam, whereas a surfactant has multiple functions.

Surfactants have many side effects, while defoamers, except for a few specific defoamers, have no side effects.

Characteristics of surfactants:

The characteristics of surfactants: There are many methods for classifying surfactants, and they have various functions, including seven main functions: wetting action, micellization and solubilization, emulsification, foaming, suspension aid, disinfection and sterilization, and detergent cleaning action.

Characteristics of Defoaming Agents for Oils and Fats:

Defoaming agents for oils and fats are composed of polysiloxanes, polyethers, emulsifiers, dispersants, and stabilizers. As excellent defoaming agents, they not only exhibit outstanding anti-foaming performance but are also particularly valuable for maintaining a good defoaming effect at lower concentrations, which has led to their widespread application.