Ajuste de formulação para aumento da estabilidade física de antiespumante a base de silicone

Abstract

This study investigated the physicochemical instability observed in the commercial silicone-based defoamer used in fermentative processes for the production of bioinputs, specifically the flotation and lump formation defects that compromised the product’s homogeneity and predictability of use. The objective was to develop a formulation capable of reducing these effects without exhibiting antimicrobial activity and without impairing defoaming performance. The research included the characterization of the reference product, the evaluation of emulsifying and thickening agents, and the analysis of combinations with potential synergy, complemented by defoaming performance tests and biocompatibility assays. Among the formulations tested, AEE3-GMX013—containing 3% (w/w) ethoxylated cetearyl alcohol and 0.13% (w/w) xanthan gum—showed the best balance between colloidal stability, rheological behavior, and foam-suppression capacity. The results showed superior performance compared with the commercial product, with greater stability and a marked reduction in flotation and agglomeration phenomena, while fully preserving microbial viability; however, the defects were not completely eliminated, characterizing a partial solution. The economic analysis indicated a marginal increase of 3.41% in relative cost, maintaining the feasibility of application. It was concluded that the AEE3-GMX013 formulation represents a relevant improvement in system stability, as it consistently reduces flotation and agglomeration defects, maintains defoaming efficiency, and does not exhibit antimicrobial activity. For the industry, this improvement translates into greater operational predictability, reduced risk of foam-suppression failures, lower rework and losses associated with product instability, and increased batch-to-batch uniformity. Despite these advances, it remains a partial solution, indicating the need for further studies to achieve complete elimination of the floating material.