Silicone Antifoams for Nonwoven Applications, 1994 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings
Debra Avery-Edwards, Russ Elms, Anne Buckingham
Foam can occur whenever two or more chemicals or impurities come in contact with each other. Controlling unwanted foam can result in improved operating efficiency. It can also improve product quality by eliminating non-uniformity. In the Nonwovens Industry, both of these factors play a vital role in the need and selection of the proper method to control foam.
The objective of this paper will be to present an overview of the factors which influence foam control. This discussion will include a basic introduction to the surface chemistry of foams and the mechanisms for effective foam control. By understanding the fundamental issues related to controlling foam, a basic list of antifoam requirements can be developed. These requirements will then be expanded to include various factors which affect the selection of a product and the methods to screen such products.