Anti-foaming agent

An antifoaming agent is a chemical additive that inhibits the formation of foam.

Additional recommended knowledge

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

In Engine Motor Oil

When used as an oil additive to the base stock of oil, antifoam agents prevent the oil from foaming and frothing during high speed mechanical agitation.

In Food and Pharmaceuticals

When used as an ingredient in food, it is intended to curb effusion or effervescence in preparation or serving. Antifoaming agents are included in a variety of foods such as Diet Pepsi, Diet Coke, Sprite, and chicken nuggets in the form of polydimethylsiloxane (a type of silicone). Antifoaming agents are also used medicinally to relieve bloating, because they cause small bubbles to coalesce into large bubbles, which are passed more easily. A familiar example is the drug Simethicone, which is the active ingredient in drugs such as Gas-X.

See Ingredients for McDonalds Foods for common examples of antifoaming agents in commonly served foods.

See also

• Foaming agent