Working principle of defoamer
Jun 13, 2024The working principle of a defoamer mainly involves changing the surface properties of liquid to control and eliminate bubbles or foam. The specific working principle can vary according to the type and properties of the defoamer.
Here are several common working principles:
1. Reduce surface tension: Defoamers can reduce the surface tension of liquids, making bubbles less likely to form or break. Surface tension is the interaction force between liquid molecules, which determines the tension of the liquid surface. By reducing surface tension, defoamers can reduce the stability of bubbles, making them easy to break or prevent the formation of bubbles.
2. Diffusion to the bubble surface: Defoamers can diffuse to the bubble surface and form a thin film on the surface. This film can change the physical and chemical properties of the bubble surface, making the bubble no longer stable. The film can increase the surface tension of the bubble and make it break; or change the interaction between the bubble and the surrounding liquid, causing it to aggregate and dissipate.
3. Prevent bubble aggregation and diffusion: Some defoamers can form polymer or colloidal particles in the liquid, which can be adsorbed on the bubble surface to prevent the aggregation and diffusion of bubbles. This effect can be achieved by forming a physical barrier on the bubble surface or through chemical reactions.
4. Destroy the foam structure: Some defoamers quickly collapse the foam by destroying the internal structure of the foam. Such defoamers usually change the pH of the liquid or add chemicals to react with the components in the foam, causing the foam to collapse.
In summary, the working principle of defoamers can be achieved by reducing surface tension, forming a film, preventing bubble aggregation and diffusion, and destroying the foam structure. The specific working principle varies depending on the type of defoamer, its ingredients, and the application environment. Choosing the appropriate defoamer requires considering the properties of the liquid, application requirements, and environmental factors, and referring to the advice of professionals.