In demanding sectors like UV inkjet inks, microlithography photoresists, and electronic chemicals, standard additives often fall short. Formulators frequently struggle with critical issues such as post-thickening, ink gelation, development residue, and severe pigment agglomeration. To address these bottlenecks, SINOSIL delivers a portfolio of high-purity UV Inkjet dispersant, Photoresists Silicone-free Leveling Agent, Graphene Dispersion in NMP for Battery Pastes and Conductive Carbon Black Slurry Additives, engineered to solve complex formulation challenges—from nanoparticle stabilization to interfacial wetting—enabling the next generation of electronic and coating technologies.

UV Inkjet Dispersant: Nanoparticle Stabilization

Performance requirements for dispersant in UV inkjet ink significantly exceed those of traditional industrial coatings and inks. Beyond critical pigment color development and viscosity reduction efficiency, most demanding technical challenges include achieving long-term storage stability in solvent-free or low-monomer systems, ensuring reliable jetting performance without printhead clogging, and maintaining precise stabilization of nano-scale particle sizes. Currently, industry selection of suitable dispersant is highly specialized and limited, as many conventional chemistries are prone to post-thickening or catastrophic gelation during storage.

1. Dispersion Solutions for White Pigment Pastes: 9102P and 9213

To meet rigorous demands of Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) dispersion in UV inkjet systems, SINOSIL offers two high-performance dispersant with specialized functional profiles:

9102P: A 100% active copolymer UV inkjet dispersant featuring acidic phosphate ester groups (Acid Value: 50-70 mg KOH/g). Engineered for broad compatibility, it delivers exceptional viscosity reduction across more than 90% of standard UV resin systems. In a benchmark formulation of 75% TiO₂ and 3% dispersant, 9102P achieved an initial viscosity of approximately 3,600 mPa·s. Following a 7-day accelerated heat-aging test at 50°C, viscosity remained stable below 4,000 mPa·s with zero thixotropy and consistent, smooth flow. Because its molecular structure is amine-free, it eliminates risk of yellowing after UV curing, making it the preferred solution for high-purity white pastes.
9213: A structured styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer synthesized via controlled polymerization technology, act as UV inkjet dispersant. This 100% active dispersant incorporates both amine and carboxyl functionality, providing strong anchoring affinity for both organic and inorganic pigments. In identical TiO₂ test formulations, 9213 achieved even lower viscosity profiles (1,600 mPa·s initially, stabilizing at 1,800 mPa·s after heat aging). While its amine content is processed to minimize reactivity, a slight potential for yellowing exists; consequently, it is best utilized as a “universal” dispersant for integrated ink sets that include organic pigments and carbon black.
Particle Size Stability: Both dispersant consistently maintain TiO₂ particles at a D50 of approximately 200 nm, ensuring reliable jetting performance and meeting stringent particle size distribution requirements of UV inkjet.

2. Dispersion Solutions for Organic Pigments and Carbon Black: 9213

Primary technical challenge in dispersing organic pigments (such as PR254, PY150, PB15:3) and specialty carbon blacks (such as FW200) for UV inkjet applications is maintaining long-term viscosity stability and preventing gelation. SINOSIL evaluated performance of 9213 through rigorous 80°C water bath heat-storage testing:

Accelerated Aging Results: In black (FW200) and red pigment pastes, 9213 maintained a non-thixotropic, gel-free state with virtually no viscosity increase even after two weeks of storage at 80°C.
Competitive Performance Benchmark: In contrast, conventional polyurethane-based UV inkjet dispersant (such as 16 series) reached a complete gel state within only two days under identical thermal stress conditions.
Proven Reliability: These results confirm that controlled polymer architecture of 9213 effectively maintains pigment particles in a de-flocculated state under extreme conditions. This significantly enhances shelf-life and processing latitude of ink while delivering consistent color development, high gloss, and superior stability across diverse color palettes, including black, blue, and yellow.

Silicone-Free Photoresist Leveling Agent: Meeting Rigors of Semiconductor Processing

Photoresist manufacturing process involves several highly sophisticated stages—including coating, exposure, development, etching, and high-temperature curing—placing technical performance requirements on additives that far exceed those of industrial coatings. In strategic collaboration with key customers, SINOSIL engineered E0321 silicone-free leveling agent, a high-performance solution specifically designed to address following critical industry challenges:

Elimination of Development Residue: Various leveling agent can result in different degrees of residual film during development and cleaning phases. In rigorous comparative evaluations, E0321 demonstrates zero residue performance, ensuring absolute substrate cleanliness essential for downstream processing.
Optimized Surface Smoothness: Conventional leveling agent often fail to fully discharge micro-bubbles, leading to excessive surface roughness after cure. Through advanced molecular architecture, E0321 eliminates factors that stabilize foam, resulting in a perfectly uniform and planar surface (validated through high-resolution 45° and 90° microscopic imaging).
Prevention of Mura Defects: Thickness variations stemming from inadequate leveling often manifest as “whitening” or “Mura” defects during high-precision optical inspection. E0321 delivers superior leveling efficiency, effectively eliminating these coating irregularities.
Adhesion and Chemical Resistance: Maintains critical adhesion balance between photoresist and substrate. Furthermore, its performance properties remain stable even when subjected to aggressive developers and specialized cleaning agents.

Featuring 100% active content, E0321 is ideal leveling agent for PSPI (Photosensitive Polyimide) photoresist systems where exceptional cleanliness, surface uniformity, and broad processing latitude are mandatory.

UV Systems: Balancing Wetting, Leveling, and Defoaming

The high polarity and transparency requirements of UV resins make it difficult to find additives that do not cause haze or excessive foaming.

1. Low-Foaming Anti-Cratering Leveling Agent: 6013 & 6023

6013: A 100% active polyether-modified siloxane, act as UV leveling agent. It provides excellent substrate wetting and anti-cratering performance while significantly reducing foam stabilization tendencies. Testing in solvent-free UV systems demonstrates minimal micro-foam after high-speed dispersion, with total air release within 40 minutes, ensuring exceptional film transparency. Its anti-cratering capability outperforms conventional leveling agents, making it ideal for thin films and sensitive substrates.
6023: A 100% active acrylate-modified polysiloxane act as UV leveling agent. While structurally similar to 6013, it contains functional double bonds that participate in UV cross-linking. This ensures long-lasting surface slip and durability without compromising recoatability. While its anti-cratering strength is slightly lower than 6013, it is preferred solution for applications requiring permanent surface performance.

2. Universal High-Penetration Wetting Agent: 2405

2405 is a 100% active polyether-modified siloxane wetting agent engineered to resolve traditional trade-off between low surface tension and excessive foaming:

Ultra-Low Surface Tension: Reduces static surface tension to as low as 20.4 mN/m—approaching theoretical limit for silicone wetting agent—providing superior resistance to craters and edge-pulling.
Minimal Foaming Profile: Whether in aqueous, solvent-free UV, or solvent-borne systems, it exhibits ultra-low foam or even self-defoaming characteristics. This eliminates common surface defects such as “pinholes” or “dark bubbles” typically caused by stabilized foam in traditional wetting agent.
Superior Pore Penetration: Specifically optimized for wood coatings and open-pore finishes, it significantly enhances wetting into deep pores, effectively reducing caoting times.

3. High-Compatibility UV Defoamer: 5980

5980 is a 100% active, silicone free defoamer, provide following features for UV inkjet system:

Exceptional Compatibility: Maintains absolute clarity in varnishes and overprint coatings, making it ideal for high-transparency applications such as luxury packaging and silver/gold cardstock printing.
High-Efficiency De-aeration: Optimized for high-speed screen printing, it facilitates rapid air release to prevent foam-related defects caused by increased mechanical speeds.
Zero “Oil Spots”: As silicone free defoamer, it eliminates risk of craters, “fish-eyes,” or oil spots often associated with incompatible silicone defoamer.

New Energy: Graphene Dispersant in NMP, Acetylene Black Dispersant

Graphene Dispersant in NMP Systems: 9250

9250 is a 100% active high-molecular-weight copolymer functionalized with pigment-affinic groups. This additive is specifically engineered to optimize storage stability of graphene dispersions within N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent systems:

Exceptional Stability Profiles: In laboratory evaluations, a graphene slurry (approx. 4.5% solids content) dispersed with 9250 showed virtually no sedimentation after 7 days. Analysis revealed consistent solid levels between the top layer (4.53%) and the bottom layer (4.91%).
Performance Benchmark: In contrast, conventional dispersants (such as 9242) exhibited severe phase separation under identical conditions, with top layer solids dropping to 0.35% and bottom layer reaching 5.67%.
Broad Formulation Latitude: Leveraging its unique macromolecular architecture and multi-solvated segments, 9250 offers excellent versatility across aqueous, alcohol-based, and co-solvent systems. It is also highly effective in organic/inorganic co-grinding processes, delivering superior color consistency.

Aqueous Acetylene Black Dispersant: 9300

9300 is a 100% active polymeric dispersant developed to overcome significant technical hurdles associated with dispersing high-surface-area acetylene black:

Advanced Viscosity Control: In formulations featuring 20% acetylene black and 10% dispersant, 9300 delivers an ultra-low, water-thin viscosity profile while maintaining a foam-free state.
Proven Competitive Advantage: Comparative testing indicates that alternative chemistries—including polyether, styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA), polyurethane, and standard controlled polymerization types—fail to effectively stabilize acetylene black at these loading levels.
High-Pigment Loading Performance: 9300 is equally proficient in dispersing high-color carbon blacks (such as FW200). It maintains low viscosity even at 20% concentrations, providing manufacturers with enhanced color development, water resistance, and superior gloss.

Technical Support & External Resources

For further reading on chemical standards and additive technologies mentioned in this report, visit following professional resources:

Industrial Coating Defoamer Effective Selection Guide

Waterborne industrial coatings are clear choice for a greener future, but their diverse resin chemistries bring equally diverse foam challenges. Moving beyond generic selection by defoamer chemistry, we now match solutions directly to your resin system. Backed by advanced visualization and digital evaluation technologies, we provide targeted, high-performance coating defoamer strategies for major resin families.

One-Component Acrylic Coating

System Profile: Widely used in general metal protection and appliance finishes. Some high-water-resistance grades can be harder to defoam.
Core Coating Defoamer & Benefit:
- P401W: An highly effective deaerator for high-viscosity, hard-to-defoam emulsions. It rapidly eliminates microfoam with minimal impact on water resistance and gloss.
- 422 / 424: Medium-strength, concentrated defoamers offering good compatibility for standard emulsions.
- 437: An emulsion-type defoamer for the let-down stage, providing excellent bubble breaking and foam suppression.
Application Case: In a CR-3090 emulsion system, adding 0.2% P401W at grind combined with 437 achieved a bubble-free wet film thickness of 275 μm, with minimal gloss loss.

Two-Component Acrylic Polyurethane (2K PU) Coating

System Profile: Used in demanding applications like agricultural and construction equipment. Challenges include reaction bubbles during curing and high film build, where microfoam gets trapped.
Core Coating Defoamer & Advantage:
- P401W: Add at grind for powerful deaeration, inhibiting reaction bubble formation.
- 402W: A deaerator specialized in merging microfoam for rapid rise to the surface.
- 437: A fast bubble breaker for surface foam with outstanding foam suppression.
- 4222: A concentrated defoamer balancing efficiency and compatibility, ideal for systems sensitive to cratering.
Application Case: A hydroxy dispersion system using a combination of 4222 (grind), 402W, and 437 (let-down) achieved a 225 μm bubble-free wet film, high gloss, and excellent adhesion, outperforming single-defoamer solutions.

Water-Soluble Acrylic & Amino Baking Coating

System Profile: High-temperature bake finishes (140–180°C) requiring exceptional clarity, gloss, and intercoat adhesion. Silicone defoamers can fail at high temperatures, harming adhesion.
Core Coating Defoamer & Advantage:
- 432: A 100% active, silicone-free defoamer. Its novel polymer/hydrophobic particle synergy offers strong defoaming, excellent heat resistance (stable at 180°C), and no adhesion loss.
- 455: A highly compatible, silicone-free defoamer for ultra-high clarity applications like inks and thin films.
Application Case: In a water-soluble acrylic-amino bake system, 0.3% 432 delivered superior gloss (97.9/98.1 at 20°/60°) compared to the control, with no adhesion issues post-bake.

Polyurethane Dispersions (PUD)

System Profile: Used in plastic, leather, and textile coatings where supreme compatibility and clarity are critical. Some applications require a defoamer particle size <300 nm for filtration.
Core Coating Defoamer & Advantage:
- HOS 432: A compatible, silicone-free defoamer for the grind stage.
- 4343 / 455: Emulsion-type defoamers. 455 contains no hydrophobic particles for finer particle size, ideal for high-clarity systems and strict filtration.

Waterborne Epoxy Coating

System Profile: High-PVC primers and mid-coats with high viscosity and film build. Foam, especially trapped microfoam, severely impacts anti-corrosion performance.
Core Coating Defoamer & Benefit:
- P401W: Strong deaerator for grind stage.
- 402W + 437: A synergistic let-down combo. 402W tackles microfoam, 437 breaks surface foam, ensuring a dense, bubble-free film.
Application Case: In an epoxy system, the 402W + 437 combination completely eliminated subsurface and surface bubbles, as confirmed by cross-section analysis.

Waterborne Alkyd Coating

System Profile: Used in general metal protection; sensitive systems requiring defoamers with excellent compatibility.
Core Coating Defoamer & Benefit:
- 424: Concentrated defoamer for the grind stage.
- 435: Emulsion-type defoamer for the let-down stage, balancing defoaming and compatibility.

Gain deeper insights into the chemistry of waterborne coating formulations via the American Coatings Association

Overview

Silicone Antifoam and Defoamer Practical Guide

Introduction

What is Silicone Antifoam and Defoamer?

Silicone (polydimethylsiloxane，Ref. Wikipedia – Defoamer) has been used as an antifoam for more than 40 years and has been rapidly and extensively used in various fields since the 1980s. Silicone antifoam can effectively remove and suppress foam in the production process.

Antifoam VS defoamer

Even though we call them antifoam, they are used in two ways to help control foam in your system. When used as antifoam, they help prevent foam from developing. When used as defoamer, they help destroy or knock down foam after it has occurred.

silicone antifoams defoamer explain Defoaming way

Knockdown refers to the reduction in foam height that occurs when the antifoam is added. Speed of knock down is also important, so is persistence, the length of time the antifoam continues to perform. Different foaming situations require different degrees speed of knock-down, and persistence.

How to destroy foam?

Silicone antifoaming agent How silicone antifoam agents work?

Silicone has low surface and interfacial tensions (see Fig.1). This enables it to flow easily over the foam wall, and seeks out openings and occupies them, causing the wall to thin and collapse.

To effectively destroy foam, reducing surface tension is key. Silicone antifoaming agent work by lowering the surface tension of liquids, preventing bubbles from forming and enabling them to break apart more easily.

By dispersing smaller bubbles and inhibiting bubble growth, it prevent large foam formations. This ensures stable, long-lasting defoaming, vital in industrial processes where foam control is crucial.

These actions, including surface tension reduction and bubble dispersion, are essential to achieving effective foam destruction and ensuring consistent, high-quality results in various applications.

Surface tension of common liquid

Liquid surface tension	(mN/m)
Water	73
Alkyd resin	33 – 60
Butyl glycol ether	30
Toluene	29
Isopropyl alcohol	22
Octane	21
Trisiloxane	17
Hexamethylsiloxane	16

How to evaluate performance?

silicone antifoams Selecting the right silicone antifoam is crucial for optimizing coating performance, it plays an essential role in controlling foam, ensuring a smooth application and preventing defects.

Considered key characteristics included dispersibility, defoaming speed, and persistent foam suppression. These factors help balance efficiency, cost, and appearance, improving overall product quality.

In-depth evaluation of these traits will guide your selection process. Proper testing methods will ensure antifoam meet your specific needs, delivering superior performance in various applications. Below is 3 regular testing method:

Test method	Explain
Stirring test	Evaluation of efficiency and separation tendency of defoamer: Complete formulation (include defoamer) is stirred with toothed dissolver at high speed (e.g. 3 min at 4000 rpm), Determined by weight and get density of formulation. Repeat test after storage (e.g. 2 weeks at 50°C) and get defoaming efficiency.
Bubbling test	(see Fig.1) Add foaming liquid and defoaming agent into cylinder, keep it constant at set temperature, blow air into it at a set flow rate, and record change pattern of foam volume (including volume sum of foam and medium) over time.
Shake test	Add certain amount of foaming liquid in the cylinder with plug-in, each time under the same number of shake flask, static observation of foam height and defoaming time.

silicone antifoams Bubbling test

Chemistry and Type

Silicone based antifoam main active substance is polysiloxanes (see Fig. 1)

SINOSIL offer product in a variety of forms to meet the needs of a wide range of systems and applications. Below is regular type from us:

Fluids	use in non-aqueous systems. They are inert and not conducive to bacterial growth, available in a wide range of viscosities.
Compounds	Scontain a suspension of finely-powdered silica to enhance their defoaming efficiency and designed primarily for non-aqueous systems.
Emulsions	ideal for controlling foam in aqueous systems.
Dispersions	ideal for controlling foam in aqueous systems.
Powder	often used in dry products to help prevent foaming and liquids are added.

Dilute method

Silicone defoamer is often diluted to improve application ease, reduce viscosity, and enhance dispersion in foaming systems. Proper dilution(see Fig1: dilute process) ensures faster defoaming without damaging the agent’s effectiveness.

Below we will introduce the dilution method in two cases based on different use

Dilute method #1

Weigh silicone defoamers
Add water into antifoam, stir while adding water
Add an acrylic thickener
Add 20% NaOH solution until pH7-8
Add proper amount of fungicide and stir well

Dilute Method #2

Weigh water and silicone defoamers.
Add an acrylic thickener to water
Add 20% NaOH aqueous solution until pH7-8
Add the thickened water to the antifoam and stir
Add proper amount of fungicide and stir well

Benefit

Low surface tension

Highly surface-active with liquid surface tension values of approximately 20 mN/m, which means they tend to spread through the foam more quickly. Silicone defoamers prevent foam from occurring upstream and reduce it more quickly and efficiently when it does occur (known as the knockdown effect).

Stable

They are more resistant to chemical corrosion, temperature variations, and pH levels.

Lower dosage level

The quantities of silicone anti-foam products needed to achieve the required effects are much lower than other products and offer more durable lower surface tension, especially important in complex and long-lasting processes, which adds up to lower cost in use.

Less reactive

They are inert and less reactive, leading to fewer compatibility problems, therefore safer for people and the environment.

More persistent

Silicone defoamers also tend to be more persistent.

Selection guide

Defoamer section is crucial for effective foam control. Factors like form, content, and application scenario must be carefully evaluated.

In selecting the best type and quantity of silicone defoamer, each application must be assessed separately. lt therefore best to evaluate several antifoams in each system to determine the type and concentration needed to assure optimum results.

Application environment

End use of product containing the antifoam: Food contact / sensitive to de-wetting

Figure out working system temperature (high / low), pH value (high / neutral / low) and chemical nature of foaming system (aqueous / non-aqueous)

Industries and applications demand

Make clear of your foam control goal, need fast defoaming (eliminate foam quickly), long-lasting antifoaming control (durability)

The usage method

Antifoam will be direct use or use after dilute

Compatibility: Clear appearance /turbid formulation

Dosing accuracy: Concentration of antifoam

Process condition

Pumping or spraying;

Process equipment: low shear, high shear

Other requirement

Add silicone based defoamers in formulation or on-site

Performance affecting factors

Silicone defoamers play a crucial role in eliminating foam in various industries, but several factors affect their performance.

The effectiveness of a silicone defoamer is determined by multiple factors including chemical composition, molecular weight, and solvent choice. Temperature and pH are also key determinants. At higher temperatures, defoamer becomes more active, while pH imbalances can reduce its efficiency. Below is simple explain for each item:

Chemical Structure

Chemical structure of silicone defoamers will affect defoaming effect and antifoaming time. For example, silicone defoamers contain a special group, which affect hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, and finally affect defoaming performance.

Molecular Weight

Typically, a larger molecular weight of silicone defoamer leads to better defoaming and antifoaming effects. However, if the molecular weight is excessively high, it can reduce defoamer’s dispersibility.

Solvent

The solvent affects dispersibility and stability of silicone defoamer. When the solvent is water, the defoamer exhibits better hydrophilicity, making it suitable for use in coatings and detergents. In contrast, if the solvent is organic, the dispersibility improves, making it more appropriate for surface coatings.

Usage & application

Application	Technical requirement of silicone antifoam agents
Resin synthesis	stable; economical; easy to use foam control agents
Industrial cleaning	alkali-resistant; requires high defoaming efficiency; stable; compatible
Water treatment	fast defoaming; stable; easy to use
Metalworking fluid	good compatibility and durability; anti-filter filtration
Pulping	alkali & high temperature resistant; adaptable to different pulp types (softwood/hardwood)
Textile printing and dyeing	good compatibility; stable; high temperature resistant
Acrylic emulsion system	good compatibility, no other adverse effects
Latex system	excellent dispersibility and compatibility
Food and beverage processing	safe; efficient; in line with food regulations in China and other countries and regions

silicone antifoams agent

Featured Products

Defoamer & Antifoam for Ultimate Paint, Coating Solutionnovell2026-04-25T02:37:23+00:00

Foam Control

1. Dispersion Solutions for White Pigment Pastes: 9102P and 9213

2. Dispersion Solutions for Organic Pigments and Carbon Black: 9213

1. Low-Foaming Anti-Cratering Leveling Agent: 6013 & 6023

2. Universal High-Penetration Wetting Agent: 2405

3. High-Compatibility UV Defoamer: 5980

Graphene Dispersant in NMP Systems: 9250

Aqueous Acetylene Black Dispersant: 9300

Technical Support & External Resources

Featured Product

Overview

Overview

Featured Products

Introduction

How to destroy foam?

How to evaluate performance?

Stirring test

Bubbling test

Shake test

Chemistry and Type

Dilute method

Benefit

Selection guide

Performance affecting factors

Usage & application

Resin synthesis

Industrial cleaning

Water treatment

Metalworking fluid

Pulping

Textile printing and dyeing

Acrylic emulsion system

Latex system

Food and beverage processing

Featured Products

Overview