Fighting Foam in Graphic Arts . . .

Many surfactants typically used for wetting in water-based graphic arts formulations tend to promote and stabilize foam. Processing conditions can also contribute to foam problems—air may become entrained in the formulation and cause problems such as reduced grind efficiency, handling hassles, and surface defects, which can potentially detract from the performance of the finished product.

At Air Products, we offer a diverse range of defoamers to meet your formulating needs. For effective knockdown foam control and performance longevity, we offer our organic-based defoamers such as EnviroGem® AD01, Surfynol® DF70, Surfynol DF75 and Surfynol DF210. In the toughest situations, where foam control is critical and surface defects cannot be tolerated, we offer Surfynol DF66 and Surfynol DF695, our silicone-based defoamers specifically designed for aqueous ink systems. Our acetylenic-based defoamers, like Surfynol DF110D or L or Surfynol MD20, offer defect-free foam control in fountain solutions and printing ink applications. Acetylenic defoamers are an excellent formulating alternative in those situations where silicones and organic defoamers either can’t be used or aren’t effective.

A broad product portfolio based on three distinct product types—organic, silicone and acetylenic—provides you with a wide range of formulating options. No matter what your formulating needs, Air Products offers you innovative and flexible solutions to the challenges you face.