Polyether defoamers are a category of high-efficiency, non-ionic surface-active agents, synthesized by the polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO), or their copolymers, with polyols (e.g., glycerol, sorbitol) as the initiator. Their molecular structure features a hydrophobic polypropylene oxide segment and a hydrophilic polyethylene oxide segment, which can be flexibly adjusted by controlling the ratio and sequence of EO/PO addition, to match the defoaming requirements of different systems.

Compared with traditional defoamers such as silicone-based or mineral oil-based ones, polyether defoamers have outstanding advantages including good water solubility, strong compatibility with aqueous systems, no silicon residue, and low foam accumulation after defoaming. They exert defoaming effects through two core mechanisms: first, penetrating the foam film quickly to reduce its surface tension; second, destroying the elasticity and stability of the foam film, leading to the rapid rupture of foam bubbles.

Main Applications

Water Treatment IndustryIt is widely used in industrial wastewater treatment, municipal sewage treatment, and reverse osmosis systems. In biological treatment processes such as activated sludge tanks, polyether defoamers can effectively eliminate the foam generated by microbial metabolism and surfactant-containing wastewater, avoiding foam overflow and ensuring the stable operation of treatment equipment.

Coating and Ink IndustryApplied in water-based coatings, UV-curable coatings, and water-based inks. It can suppress the foam produced during the grinding, mixing, and construction stages, preventing defects such as pinholes, fish eyes, and cratering on the coating film surface, and improving the flatness and finish of the final product. Its good compatibility ensures that it will not affect the transparency and adhesion of coatings and inks.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical IndustryIn the production of fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceutical intermediates, polyether defoamers are added to reaction kettles and distillation systems to eliminate the foam caused by violent chemical reactions or heating processes, which helps improve reaction efficiency and product purity. In the pharmaceutical field, food-grade polyether defoamers can be used in the preparation of oral liquids and injections to ensure the safety and stability of pharmaceutical formulations.

Textile and Dyeing IndustryUsed in processes such as textile sizing, scouring, and dyeing. It can remove the foam generated by sizing agents, surfactants, and dye solutions, preventing uneven dyeing and fabric defects, and improving the uniformity of color and the quality of textile products.

Food Processing IndustryFood-grade polyether defoamers (complying with food safety standards such as FDA and GB 2760) are applied in the production of beverages, dairy products, and condiments. For example, in beer brewing, it suppresses foam during fermentation; in soybean milk and juice production, it eliminates foam during mixing and sterilization, ensuring the smooth progress of production and the stability of product quality.