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Defoamer
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<p>A defoamer or an anti-foaming agent is a chemical additive that reduces and hinders the formation of <a href="/facts/Foam/kGrXWWcb">foam</a> in <a href="/facts/Industrial_process/etguaagU">industrial process</a> liquids. The terms anti-foam agent and defoamer are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, defoamers eliminate existing foam and anti-foamers prevent the formation of further foam. Commonly used agents are insoluble oils, <a href="/facts/Polydimethylsiloxane/2lPYh00F">polydimethylsiloxanes</a> and other silicones, certain alcohols, <a href="/facts/Stearate/ajnXYFo9">stearates</a> and <a href="/facts/Glycols/pmaVtfKx">glycols</a>. The additive is used to prevent formation of foam or is added to break a foam already formed. </p><p>In industrial processes, foams pose serious problems. They cause defects on surface coatings and prevent the efficient filling of containers. A variety of chemical formulae are available to prevent formation of foams. </p>