Defoamers walk a tightrope in paint coating formulation. How much do you know about this chemical balancing act?

The careful control of foam in high performance paint formulation relies on striking the perfect balance to create smooth, even finishes, every time.

Try out this short q&a to find out what you know about defoamers.

How can we help?

Have a question about BASF's Dispersions, Resins and Additives? Contact our experts.

Q&A

Q: Defoamers reduce foam and avoid foam-formation during the production, application and transport of paint formulations. Having foam present, especially in an industrial setting, is undesirable because it can:

A: Reduce efficiency of high speed operations.

Q: True or False. Surfactants destabilize foam in paints and coatings.

A: FALSE - Surfactants, or surface active ingredients, stabilize foam in paints and coatings.

Q: Although there is no single definitive foam theory, it is generally accepted as fact that in order to destroy foam, a defoamer active should:

A: Have the ability to penetrate into foam lamellae and to spread effectively on the liquid/gas interface.

Q: True or False. Every defoamer is formulated on a tightrope between compatibility and targeted incompatibility.

A: TRUE - This balance is necessary in order for the defoamer to be sufficiently compatible with the binder.

Q: In silicone-based defoamers for water-based systems, polydimethylsiloxane is an efficient defoaming ingredient because of its:

A: Low surface tension, spreading capability, thermal stability, chemical liner. These characteristics all make polydimethylsiloxane an effective ingredient in this environment.

Q: True or False. In water-based defoamers, a star-polymer has a 3D star-shaped structure.

A: TRUE - You are really up to speed on defoamer formulation.

Last UpdateMay 18, 2017

Q&A: Defoamers