The working principle and classification advantages of defoamers in the construction industry

Why can't the construction industry do without defoamers? Uncover the scientific principle of foam control

In the process of concrete mixing, gypsum processing or coating production, the formation of foam will directly affect the material strength, surface smoothness and construction efficiency. Defoamers in the construction industry have become the key additives to improve engineering quality by destroying the stability of foam.   

A large amount of foam will reduce the density of concrete, cause hollowing and cracks, affect the uniformity of coating film formation, cause surface defects, and hinder the fluidity of grouting materials, increasing porosity.   

The working principle of defoamer is mainly to penetrate the foam liquid membrane through defoamer molecules (such as polyether modified silicone oil), reduce the local surface tension and cause the foam to burst. Defoamers can be divided into organosilicon, mineral oils, and polyethers. The main advantages of organosilicon defoamers are high temperature resistance and broad-spectrum properties. The main advantage of mineral oil defoamers is their low cost and suitability for mortar. The main advantage of polyether defoamers is dynamic defoaming, which is suitable for high-speed mixing scenarios.

We need to consider pH value, temperature, and system compatibility when selecting suitable defoamers. With the increasingly strict environmental requirements, environmentally friendly defoamers will become the focus of research and development in the future.