ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to review developments in the formulation and application of foam control compositions for heavy-duty laundry detergents. A closer look at the factors determining the washing process will allow a better understanding of the problems related to the development of foam. The amount of foam generated must be regulated in order to attain good washing results. Surfactants are the most important ingredients in the detergent and have gained further significance over the past 40 years. Early development of antifoams for laundry detergents was hampered by ignorance of the physicochemical processes involved. One class of effective antifoams comprises nitrogenous compounds such as amines, urea derivatives, amides, and trialkylmelamines. A class of compounds used for antifoam purposes is formed by phosphoric acid esters. Silicone- and mineral oil-based antifoams activated by the addition of silicas represent one of the most important classes of antifoams.
