Industrial Manufacturing / Solution Family

PPG & Non-Silicone Process Aids

Organic foam-control and co-solvent additives for systems where silicone carryover is unacceptable u2014 polypropylene glycol defoamer and butyl glycol ether co-solvent.

Overview

Non-silicone process aids are organic defoamers and co-solvents used innindustrial processes where silicone carryover would cause defects downstream.nTrace silicone can create fisheyes, crawling, and adhesion failures in any part that isnlater painted, coated, printed, or bonded, so these systems specify silicone-free foamncontrol instead. Polypropylene glycol (PPG) is the workhorse non-silicone defoamer; glycolnethers act as coupling co-solvents that also help knock down foam in aqueous formulations.

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The trade-off is direct: organic defoamers are generally less efficient per unit thannsilicone antifoams, but they leave no silicone residue. PPG works by spreading at thenair-liquid interface to rupture foam lamellae and doses easily into water-based systems.nSpecify a non-silicone defoamer wherever the surface will see a later coating, plating, ornbonding step; reserve silicone antifoams for closed processes where residue does not matter.

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Glycol ethers such as butyl glycol ether (2-butoxyethanol) act as coupling solvents thatnstabilize cleaner and coating formulations while assisting foam control. They carrynmeaningful vapor pressure and a defined flash point, so confirm VOC limits and handlingnrequirements for your jurisdiction and process. For low-odor or low-VOC programs, weigh anhigher-molecular-weight glycol against the faster solvency of the butyl ether.

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Where it's used
  • Foam control in water-soluble metalworking fluids and grinding coolants
  • Silicone-free defoaming for coatings, inks, and adhesive manufacturing
  • Process foam control where downstream painting, plating, or bonding prohibits silicone
  • Coupling co-solvents for aqueous industrial and parts-cleaning formulations
  • Pulp/paper and general process defoaming requiring no silicone carryover
Frequently asked questions
When should I use a non-silicone defoamer instead of a silicone one?
Use a non-silicone defoamer whenever the surface will be painted, coated, printed, plated, or bonded later. Trace silicone carryover causes fisheyes, crawling, and adhesion failures in those steps. Reserve silicone antifoams for closed processes where residue does not affect a downstream operation.
How does polypropylene glycol control foam?
Polypropylene glycol (PPG) spreads at the air-liquid interface and destabilizes the foam lamellae so bubbles rupture. It is generally less efficient per unit than a silicone antifoam, but it leaves no silicone residue and doses easily into water-based systems, which is why it is the workhorse non-silicone defoamer.
What is butyl glycol ether used for in process formulations?
Butyl glycol ether (ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, 2-butoxyethanol) is a coupling co-solvent that stabilizes aqueous cleaner and coating formulations and helps knock down foam. It has meaningful vapor pressure and a defined flash point, so confirm VOC limits and handling requirements for your application and jurisdiction.
Does RawSource supply non-silicone defoamers and process aids in bulk?
Yes. RawSource sources polypropylene glycol defoamers and glycol ether co-solvents for silicone-free industrial processes at bulk scale with full documentation. Send your process, foam-control target, and volume for a bulk RFQ.
Disclaimer. Information on this page is provided for general reference and compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, and confirm regulatory status, classification, and suitability for your application and jurisdiction.
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