Defoamers

Defoamers are additives used in concrete mixtures to eliminate or reduce foam formation during mixing. Excessive foam or bubbles can lead to issues such as reduced workability, decreased strength, and increased permeability of the resulting concrete. Foam can occur in concrete mixtures due to air-entraining agents, high-speed mixing, or other factors.

Defoamer additives such as TBP (Tributyl phosphate) and TIBP (Triisobutyl phosphate) are commonly used in concrete mixtures to prevent the formation of excessive foam or bubbles during the mixing process. Typically, TBP and TIBP are added to the concrete mix at 0.1% to 0.3% by weight of cement. These additives work by reducing the surface tension of the concrete, which helps to break down the bubbles and prevent them from forming.