Defoamers

FOAMASTER®, FOAMSTAR® and EFKA® defoamers for water-based, solvent-based, and solvent-free formulations

Formulators rely on BASF defoamer technologies to meet the most demanding standards of excellence – such as those in automotive coatings. Our lineup ranges from products based on mineral oils or native oils, specialty-emulsions and organosilicone-based solutions to silicone-free and star-polymer defoamers.

One of the outstanding innovations in the BASF defoamer portfolio is our award-winning FOAMSTAR® technology. It is based on a hyper-branched polymer with a 3-dimensional star-shaped structure, containing hydrophilic as well as hydrophobic elements. Unlike conventional mineral-oil and silicone defoamers, our FOAMSTAR® technology breaks down foam on a molecular level. It acts as a unique surfactant interacting with the foam-related surfactants and destabilizes the foam bubbles. When combined with conventional defoamer types, it accelerates bubble-break times and boosts efficiency.

Key features and benefits

Effective foam suppression and micro-foam removal during production and application
Award-winning innovative technology
Cost savings through shorter production processes
Prevention of surface defects like craters, fisheyes, pinholes and weak points in the dried paint
Regulatory compliance, low-VOC, renewable
Low odor
Food-contact approval

How can we help?

Have a question about BASF's polymers and additives? Contact our experts.

Request a sample

Submit request

Defoamer brands

Defoamers and deaerators for aqueous and non-aqueous systems, delivering a perfect balance between excellent foam suppression, micro-foam removal, high compatibility, long-term efficiency, easy handling and environmental compliance.

1

FOAMASTER MO 2133
A 100% active defoamer developed to provide efficient and economical defoaming in water-based coatings.
2

FOAMSTAR ED 2522 NC
High performance, ultra-low VOC silicone emulsion defoamer for premium water-based paints, clear coats and inks with excellent storage stability.
3

FOAMSTAR SI 2210 NC
100% active-content defoamer for non-pigmented and low-pigmented aqueous coatings, printing inks, adhesives and UV-curable systems; offers strong spontaneous defoaming effect and long-term defoaming persistency.
4

FOAMSTAR ST 2420
Defoamer with low use level, excellent persistence and a good choice for very low VOC emulsion systems.
5

FOAMSTAR ST 2438
A 100% active defoamer compound combining a hyper-branched Star polymer with high-end organo-silicones to deliver fast foam knock down with very high efficiency.
6

FOAMSTAR SI 2240
Silicone-based defoamer compound with a broad compatibility in various binder systems, spontaneous defoaming effect and excellent long term efficiency.

1

EFKA PB 2001
Silicone-free air-release agent for non-aqueous coatings such as epoxy, polyurethane or UPE systems.
2

EFKA PB 2020
Clear, slightly yellowish liquid that accelerates defoaming in solvent-based coatings.
3

EFKA SI 2008
Silicone-based highly efficient air-release agent with excellent compatibility with non-aqueous coatings such as epoxy, polyurethane or UPE systems.
4

EFKA SI 2035
Silicone-based defoamer for physically drying systems and medium- to long-oil air-drying alkyds.
5

EFKA SI 2721
Defoamer for UV-curing and EBC systems with highly effective defoaming in clear and matted systems; defoaming substances in 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.

1

EFKA PB 2018 AN
Defoamer for polyurethane, acid-cure and NC wood finishes.
2

EFKA PB 2021
Silicone-free defoamer for 2-pack polyurethanes, acid-cure and stoving enamels.
3

EFKA SI 2022
Silicone-based defoamer for use in polyurethane curtain coatings and stoving enamels.
4

EFKA SI 2038
Silicone-based defoamer for polyurethane, acid-cure and NC wood varnishes with good compatibility.
5

EFKA SI 2025
Silicone-based defoamer for physically drying systems and air-drying alkyds.

Insights | Where business meets science

Learn about market trends and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.