Mechanisms for the synergistic antifoam action by hydrophobic solid particles in insoluble liquids

Abstract

An investigation of the synergistic antifoam action that occurs when hydrophobic solid particles are used in conjunction with a liquid that is insoluble in the foamy solution is reported. Mechanisms for film rupture by either the solid or the liquid alone are presented along with explanations for the poor effectiveness observed with many foam systems for these single-component antifoams. In addition, insight is obtained into the nature of the interactions between these two components that results in enhanced antifoam action.