Non-Silicone Defoamers

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there can sometimes be a difference between a “non-silicone” defoamer and a “silicone-free” defoamer. While the term is open to some interpretation, a “non-silicone” defoamer is typically described as a type of defoamer that does not contain “free silicone” within its composition. This means that there’s no silicone polymer freely floating in the body of the defoamer. For example, think of non-alcoholic (NA) beer. Even though it’s marketed as being NA, non-alcoholic beer often contains some small amount of alcohol, usually less than 1%. In some cases, this analogy applies to a non-silicone defoamer, whereby a tiny amount of silicone may be present. However, if present, any such silicone is typically bound to the surface of the hydrophobic silica rather than being freely available. By contrast, a “silicone-free” defoamer is completely devoid of any silicone whatsoever and is an alternative option for applications where no silicone can be tolerated.

Non-Silicone Defoamer Composition

Non-silicone defoamers from Applied Material Solutions (AMS) are available in:

• Water-based compositions
• Oil-based compositions
• Surfactant-based compositions

However, non-silicone defoaming agents typically all contain surfactants. This enhances their ability to disperse in water, making them more effective in reducing or suppressing foam. Defoamers that are non-silicone are often more biodegradable than their silicone counterparts, and they’re less likely to result in spotting and discoloration or cause negative membrane effects.

Types of Non-Silicone Defoamers

Some common types of non-silicone defoamers include:

• Polymeric defoamers
• Non-aqueous oil-based defoamers
• Solvent-based defoamers
• Water-based fatty alcohol dispersions
• Non-aqueous synthetic (polyol) defoamers
• Vegetable oil-based defoamers and emulsions

Non-Silicone Defoamer Benefits and Applications

Some potential benefits of non-silicone defoamers include:

• Minimized surface defects. Non-silicone defoamers are sometimes preferred because silicones may cause unwanted defects in the surface of dried films and coatings.
• Reduced residue deposition. Compared to silicone-containing products, non-silicone defoamers are often less likely to leave residue.
• Safer for filtration membranes. Compared to silicone-containing products, some types of non-silicone defoamers are less likely to adversely affect filtration membranes, resulting in better filtration performance and reduced maintenance costs.
• Better cost-effectiveness and availability. Non-silicone defoamers are often less susceptible to drastic swings in price and availability. In the past, silicone materials have been subjected to price fluctuations and shortages, leading to a higher focus on the development of non-silicone alternatives.

Because of their many benefits, non-silicone defoamers are popular for a wide variety of industries and applications, such as:

• Chemical processing
• Food and beverage processing
• Industrial wastewater treatment
• Latex production
• Paints and coatings
• Paper manufacturing

Non-Silicone Defoamers From Applied Material Solutions

At AMS, we offer an extensive range of both aqueous and non-aqueous non-silicone defoamers for a myriad of applications.

Water-Based Emulsions and Dispersions

Water-based defoamers are typically between 60% and 90% water, as the name suggests. Many of these defoamers are oil-in-water emulsions, containing some amount of oil or fat. They’re often readily biodegradable and more environmentally friendly compared to synthetic materials, and they can be more affordable and better performing than other types of defoaming options for deaeration and foam suppression.

Mineral Oil-Based

Mineral oil-based defoamers are typically made up of about 70% to 95% mineral oil, with the balance being comprised of hydrophobic particles, emulsifiers, spreading agents, polymers, and other performance-enhancing surfactants and additives. These defoamers are common in water treatment operations as well as paint and coating manufacturing to help prevent surface defects and improve product processing and quality.

Vegetable Oil-Based

Our selection of vegetable oil-based, non-silicone defoamers gives our customers expanded options for reducing foam in numerous applications ranging from ink production to potato processing. Food-grade varieties of these non-silicone defoamers help safeguard food quality and equipment functionality in food and beverage processing, and AMS also offers certified organic options. Vegetable oil-based non-silicone defoamers are an excellent choice when an innocuous, readily biodegradable alternative is sought.

Surfactant-Based

Surfactants are “surface-active agents” designed to work at the air-liquid interface where foam occurs. Surfactant-based defoamers from AMS cover a range of chemistries including simple copolymers, alkoxylated alcohols, complex esters and combinations thereof, and most of these products are silicone-free. Many of these defoamers operate on the basis of cloud point, whereby their efficacy is temperature dependent, and many of these products are considered to be 100% active. AMS has product options for a variety of processing conditions including high-pH, food-grade, temperature extremes, and membrane compatibility.

When choosing the right defoamer for your application, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of foam generated and the timing of its production. In many situations, non-silicone defoamers are the ideal choice, offering several advantages such as application-specific performance, minimized surface defects, reduced residue deposition, cost advantages, and more.

At Applied Material Solutions, we offer a range of quality non-silicone defoamer products to meet your foam control needs. As a leading manufacturer of foam control products, we can work with you to determine which of our defoamers is best for your application. For more information about our non-silicone defoamers, contact us today.