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How to determine whether a silicone defoamer has been diluted
Release Date:
2021-12-06
Many companies dilute silicone defoamers before use, but if the silicone defoamer you purchase is already diluted, further dilution can compromise its performance. Below, we’ll show you how to determine whether a silicone defoamer has been diluted.
First, you can assess the quality by examining the odor of the silicone defoamer. Typically, a pure silicone defoamer solution has a slight polyether scent, which is somewhat pungent. If you detect a gasoline‑ or toluene‑like smell in the silicone defoamer, it may indicate that a diluent has been added, as petroleum solvents or toluene are commonly used in industry to dilute silicone defoamers.
Secondly, when assessing the concentration of water-based silicone defoamers, since dilution with water can directly affect their performance, the market‑based sniffing method cannot reliably determine whether a silicone defoamer has been diluted. However, you can conduct a simple test by taking a small sample of the defoamer. Procedure: Collect a sample of the silicone defoamer, place it in a heat‑resistant container, and heat it to 150°C. If the volatile content of the silicone defoamer exceeds 30%, bake it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. If the measured volatile content is around 5%, it can be concluded that the silicone defoamer has been diluted.
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