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While consumers appreciate the color or feel of a fabric, they rarely realize that a silent war is taking place during its production: foam vs. defoamer. Uncontrolled foam is not only a nuisance, it also wastes water, energy and chemicals. As textiles transition to sustainability, defoamers are also evolving from supporting players (supporting actors) to strategic enablers. Let’s unpack their hidden world.   The evolution of defoamers: beyond basic chemistry 1. The old guard: petroleum and silicones Mineral oils: cheap but fading – like fossil fuels in a green world. Silicones: “high-performance athletes”. New blends, such as PEG-modified silicones, reduce hydrophobicity while maintaining efficacy. 2. The rising star: bio-smart agents - Plant-powered: castor, sunflower or rice bran oils – now specially engineered to be heat-stable. - Enzymatic defoamers: emerging technology that uses lipases to digest foam-stabilizing surfactants. - Microbial surfactants: Rhamnolipids produced by strains of Pseudomonas bacteria that cause foam to disintegrate and biodegrade within days. 3. Niche experts - Powders in 3D weaving: a must-have in resin-impregnated technical textiles. - Polymer “foam catchers”: a stimulus-sensitive polymer that expands and encapsulates bubbles when the pH changes.     Unconventional applications: where foam meets the future - Digital printing: nano-defoamers prevent nozzle clogging in high-precision inkjet printing. - Recycled fiber processing: pulverizing foam in an alkaline bath to dissolve polyester/cotton blends (e.g. Circ® technology). - Smart textiles: preventing foam from interfering with conductive ink deposition for electronic textiles. - Protective gear: flame-retardant defoamers in fire suit coatings.   Green challenges: sustainability leads the way 1. The “ZDHC effect” - Challenges: 80% of conventional textile defoamers do not meet zero discharge standards for hazardous chemicals. - Solution: Silicone-free, APEO-free and readily biodegradable formulations (e.g. oil-based). 2. The battle between carbon footprint and water footprint - New metric: Defoaming efficiency (FRE) – CO2 emissions saved per kg of defoamer used. - Waterless dyeing: Supercritical CO2 dyeing requires defoamers stable at pressures above 250 bar – an emerging frontier.   3. Circular integration - Degradable by design: “Self-deactivating” defoamers break down during post-processing to avoid hindering fabric recycling. - Waste-to-defoamer: Upcycling lipids from the food industry (e.g. waste frying oil) into defoamers.   Vision 2030: A new vision for textile defoamers 1. Artificial intelligence collaborative systems: - IoT sensors detect foam in real time; machine learning adjusts defoamer dosage and process parameters. 2. Bionic solutions: - Dolphin skin-like surfaces (microgrooves to create unstable bubbles) applied to machine linings. 3. “...

Defoamers are indispensable additives in industrial production. They are mainly divided into two categories: water-based defoamers and oil-based defoamers according to system compatibility. This article will systematically analyze the differences in ingredients, action mechanisms, and typical application scenarios between the two, and provide selection guidance.    Application scenarios of water-based defoamers 1. Sewage treatment system Activated sludge process: Control biological foam in aeration tank (polyether modified type is best)   MBR membrane treatment: Select low-viscosity defoamers that do not affect membrane flux   Case: After a municipal sewage plant uses polyether defoamers, the foam thickness is reduced by 80%   2. Water-based paint/ink Construction defoaming: Eliminate bubbles generated by latex paint roller coating   Formula recommendation: Addition amount 0.1-0.5%   Note: Compatibility testing is required to avoid shrinkage   3. Food processing Fermentation industry: Food-grade polyether defoamers for beer/soy sauce fermentation tanks   Sugar solution concentration: Inhibit foam during evaporation   4. Other typical applications Papermaking white water circulation system Industrial cleaning agents (especially alkaline cleaning fluids) Water-based adhesive production   Application scenarios of oil-based defoamers 1. Petrochemicals Crude oil degassing: Solve the foam problem of the vacuum tower (silicone oil-based products)   Lubricant production: Control the foam during the blending process   Data: Degassing efficiency increased by 35% after use in a refinery   2. Oil-based coatings/resins Epoxy system: Eliminate bubbles during casting (high temperature resistant type required) UV curing ink: Choose varieties that do not affect the curing rate   3. Metalworking fluids Cutting oil: Suppress the foam generated by high-pressure injection Rolling oil: Maintain a stable lubricating film (low addition of 0.05-0.2%)   4. Special industrial scenarios Asphalt modification production process Solvent-based adhesives Ink printing machine circulation system    

As climate volatility and resource scarcity reshape global agriculture, farmers and agribusinesses are turning to agricultural defoamers as a critical but often overlooked tool to optimize operations and reduce waste. Foam-related inefficiencies cost the industry millions of dollars each year, and a new generation of agricultural defoamers is emerging as a practical and environmentally friendly solution to the challenges of modern agriculture.     Current agricultural pain points Foams generated in irrigation systems, pesticide spraying, and livestock manure management disrupt workflows, clog equipment, and reduce the effectiveness of chemical agents. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), inefficient water use and agrochemical use remain the biggest barriers to achieving global food security, and foam exacerbates losses in precision agriculture systems.   Why agricultural defoamers are popular?   1. Climate-resilient agriculture Amid increasing drought conditions, silicone-free, biodegradable defoamers prevent water waste caused by foam in irrigation. 2. Cost-effective precision agriculture High-efficiency defoamers minimize overuse of herbicides and liquid fertilizers. 3. Soil and crop safety Non-toxic, pH-neutral defoamers protect soil microbial communities, a priority for farmers adhering to a farm-to-fork strategy.   As regenerative agriculture and precision technology redefine agriculture, defoamers are no longer an afterthought but a strategic tool. With the development of innovative technologies such as AI-driven foam sensors and solar-powered defoamer dispensers, the industry is ready to tackle foam-related waste head-on—proving that small solutions can deliver big sustainability gains.

In all walks of life, most products have to go through a series of steps when they are manufactured. However, during the production operation, there will be too much foam that hinders the production process, so there are all kinds of defoamers. However, in the final analysis, defoamers are generally divided into two types of defoamers: silicone and non-silicone. So what is the difference between these two defoamers?     From the perspective of chemical composition, silicone defoamers are mainly made of silicone compounds, while non-silicone defoamers are made of other compounds, such as fatty acid salts, polyethers, etc. The main component of silicone defoamers is polysiloxane, which has a special chemical structure and can form a stable film on the surface of the liquid, thereby inhibiting the formation and diffusion of bubbles. Non-silicone defoamers achieve the defoaming effect by changing the surface tension of the liquid.   From the perspective of application areas, silicone defoamers are mainly used in industrial fields such as liquid detergents, coatings, paints, and foam plastics. Since silicone defoamers have excellent defoaming performance and stability, and can effectively reduce the bubble content in liquids, they are widely used in these fields. Non-silicon defoamers are mainly used in food processing, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other fields because they are non-toxic and harmless to the human body and will not affect the quality of the product.   Silicones emphasize the principle of universality and tend to cover the process links of various industries to the greatest extent, such as energy mining and daily cleaning. It is committed to maximizing the versatility of products. The product orientation of non-silicon defoamers is more inclined to specialization, making up for the fields that silicones cannot be applied to, such as papermaking and coating.   In summary, organic defoamers are mainly made of silicone compounds and are more suitable for industrial applications; while non-silicon defoamers are made of other compounds and are better used in food, pharmaceuticals and other fields. Both have their advantages, so before choosing a defoamer, you should determine the application scenario to achieve the best defoaming effect.    

The role of defoamers in the inks and coatings industry is often underestimated, but these specialized additives are essential to ensure product quality, process efficiency, and end-user satisfaction. As manufacturers deal with a changing regulatory environment and consumer demand for environmentally friendly solutions, defoamers are gaining attention as problem solvers and innovation drivers. Here’s an in-depth analysis of their current impact and future developments.     The Silent Guardian of Quality During the production and application of inks and coatings, trapped air bubbles can cause defects such as pinholes, pits, or surface unevenness, which can affect aesthetics and functionality. Defoamers—chemical agents designed to control foam formation—play a vital role in mitigating these problems. By destabilizing the foam structure, they ensure smooth application in processes such as high-speed printing, automotive painting, or architectural coating projects. Their importance goes beyond aesthetics: in industrial coatings, for example, a bubble-free surface can enhance corrosion resistance and durability.   Formulating effective defoamers, however, is not an easy task. Compatibility with different resin systems, stability at different pH levels, and tolerance to temperature fluctuations have always been challenges. Overdosing can lead to surface defects such as fisheyes, while underdosing can result in ineffective foam control. This balance drives continued R&D in this area.   Sustainability Takes Center Stage With increasingly stringent environmental regulations, such as volatile organic compound (VOC) emission limits in the EU and North America, and growing demand for waterborne and bio-based coatings, traditional silicone or mineral oil-based defoamers are facing a severe test. Manufacturers are now prioritizing "green" alternatives that align with the principles of the circular economy. For example:   High-performance silicone-free defoamers are gaining traction, providing compatibility with waterborne systems without sacrificing foam control.   Bio-based defoamers, made from vegetable oils or modified natural polymers, are becoming a niche solution for environmentally conscious brands.   According to a 2023 report from Grand View Research, the global defoamer market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.1% through 2030, driven by sustainability directives and expansion in the packaging and construction industries.   Next Generation Innovation: Beyond Bubble Control The future of defoamers lies in versatility and precision. Key trends include: 1. Nano-engineered defoamers: Using nanotechnology to improve dispersion efficiency and reduce additive dosage, minimizing the impact on coating clarity or mechanical properties. 2. Smart defoamers: Responsive agents that activate only under specific conditions (such as during high shear mixing), ensuring optimal perform...

Defoamers are chemicals used to reduce or prevent foam formation and are widely used in various fields of industrial production processes, such as papermaking, printing and dyeing, chemicals, and food processing. Their main function is to destroy formed foam or prevent the formation of foam by reducing the surface tension of the liquid. However, the effect of defoamers is not consistent under all conditions. Temperature, as a key factor, has a significant impact on their effectiveness.   Temperature and Defoamer Mechanism   The mechanism of action of defoamers mainly includes two steps: diffusion and film breaking. First, the defoamer molecules need to diffuse quickly to the gas-liquid interface; second, they must be able to effectively penetrate the foam film and cause it to break. Changes in temperature directly affect the efficiency of these two processes. As the temperature increases, the viscosity of the liquid usually decreases, which helps the defoamer molecules diffuse to the gas-liquid interface faster. However, too high a temperature may increase the volatility of the defoamer, causing it to evaporate before reaching the target location, thereby reducing the defoaming effect.   Effect of temperature on different types of defoamers   Organic silicon defoamers: These defoamers have good thermal and chemical stability and can maintain good defoaming effects at higher temperatures. However, extreme high temperatures (over 250°C) may cause them to decompose or lose activity.   Polyether defoamers: They are suitable for applications in medium and low temperature environments. As the temperature rises, their solubility increases, which may lead to a weakening of the defoaming effect.   Mineral oil defoamers: These defoamers usually perform well at lower temperatures, but are prone to oxidation and deterioration in high temperature environments, affecting their long-term use effects.   Considerations in practical applications   When selecting a defoamer suitable for a specific application scenario, in addition to considering temperature factors, other conditions such as pH value, solution composition, and operating pressure need to be considered comprehensively. For example, in some applications where the defoaming effect needs to be maintained for a long time, even under relatively stable temperature conditions, it is necessary to select a defoamer product with good durability.   Conclusion In summary, temperature has an important influence on the performance of defoamers. Understanding the performance characteristics of various defoamers under different temperature conditions and rationally selecting and using defoamers based on this is crucial to improving the efficiency and product quality of industrial production. Future research can further explore how to improve the existing defoamer formulations to enhance their adaptability and effectiveness over a wider temperature range.