Vanconol® LFS-112 Low-Foam Surfactant
Vanconol® LFS-112 Low-Foam Surfactant
Abstract
Vanconol® LFS-112 is a nonionic surfactant based on a branched alcohol polyether structure, developed to address core challenges such as poor dynamic wetting and foam interference in waterborne systems. Its key benefits include significantly reducing both dynamic and static surface tension (static surface tension as low as 25.6 mN/m), providing efficient low-foam performance and excellent penetration. Compared with conventional solutions, its dynamic surface tension performance is stable (27.6 mN/m at 6 bubbles/s) and it is APEO-free, making it suitable for high-speed processes such as diamond wire cutting fluids and waterborne printing chemicals. It is a suitable option for improving production efficiency and product consistency.
Key Performance Indicators
| Performance | LFS-112 |
|---|---|
| Static surface tension (0.3% aqueous solution) | 25.6 mN/m |
| Dynamic surface tension at 6 bubbles/s (0.3% aqueous solution) | 27.6 mN/m |
| Foam performance (1% aqueous solution) | Initial foam height 11 mm, decreasing to 2 mm after 300 s |
| Environmental properties | APEO-free |
Main Features and Advantages
- Efficient wetting: Rapidly lowers both dynamic and static surface tension, improving spreading and penetration on substrates.
- Low-foam performance: A well-designed molecular chain structure suppresses foam generation during high-speed mixing or spraying, avoiding process interference.
- Broad compatibility: Suitable for acidic, alkaline and high-temperature environments and compatible with a wide range of waterborne systems.
- Environmentally friendly and safe: APEO-free and compliant with green chemistry standards.
Recommended Application Fields
- Diamond wire cutting fluids: Serves as the wetting component, improving wetting of hard brittle materials such as silicon wafers and sapphire, reducing foam residue during cutting and improving cutting precision and efficiency.
- Waterborne printing chemicals: Used in flexographic/gravure inks and printing additives to improve dye dispersion and print uniformity for high-speed printing, reducing foam-related spotting or missed printing.
- Metalworking fluids: Serves as a wetting agent in cutting fluids, quenching fluids and similar systems, enhancing liquid coverage of metal surfaces, reducing the effect of foam on machining precision and extending tool life.
- Industrial cleaners: Used in electroplating and electronic component cleaning formulations to rapidly penetrate oil and suppress foam, improving cleaning efficiency and rinsability.
- Spray promoters: In agricultural spraying and firefighting foam applications, improves atomization and adhesion while maintaining low-foam characteristics for even coverage.
- Other industrial applications: Such as foam-free lubricants for glass fiber and concrete dispersants, improving material processing flow through optimized wetting.
Usage and Recommended Dosage
Addition sequence: Add after the main system components (such as resins and fillers) have been incorporated, and stir slowly until uniformly dispersed.
Dilution: May be used directly or pre-diluted with water (ratio 1:5-1:10); mix thoroughly after dilution.
Dosage range: The typical dosage is 0.1%-1.0% of the total system, and the specific level should be determined by dosage screening based on substrate properties and process speed (for example, the upper end of the recommended range for high-speed spraying).
Precautions: Avoid mixing directly with strong oxidizers, and test system compatibility after addition.
Safety and Storage
- Safety precautions: Wear appropriate protective equipment (such as protective glasses and gloves) during handling. In case of skin contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water; if splashed into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention.
- Storage conditions: Store sealed in a cool, ventilated and dry place, away from high temperatures and freezing. Recommended storage temperature range: 5°C-40°C.
- Packaging: 25 kg drums, 200 kg drums.
- Shelf life: 24 months from the date of manufacture under the specified storage conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the performance difference between LFS-111 and LFS-112, and how should I choose?
A: LFS-111 has a slightly higher static surface tension (26.8 mN/m) but a lower initial foam height (3 mm), making it suitable for foam-sensitive applications (such as high-pressure spraying). LFS-112 has a lower static surface tension (25.6 mN/m) and stronger wetting, suitable for systems requiring rapid spreading (such as printing inks). Choose based on dynamic surface tension requirements and foam tolerance.
Q: Will this product lose effectiveness in high-temperature or high-pH environments?
A: No. The branched alcohol polyether structure provides excellent chemical stability, maintaining stable performance in the pH range 2-12 and at temperatures up to 80°C, suitable for most industrial waterborne systems.
Q: How can the dosage be optimized through testing?
A: Start at 0.3% and prepare a dosage series (e.g., 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%), then determine the optimum level by measuring surface tension, observing foam height and evaluating process results (such as cutting precision or print uniformity).
Q: Can this product replace conventional APEO-containing surfactants?
A: Yes. LFS-112 outperforms most APEO-containing products in wetting and low-foam behavior while being environmentally safe. For direct replacement, a small-scale comparison test is recommended to adjust the dosage to match existing performance.
Contact Us
- If you need free samples, a detailed Technical Data Sheet (TDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS), or have any technical questions, please contact us through the following channels:
- Company: Tianjin Hi-Perferal Advanced Materials Co., Ltd.
- Address: No. 2-1, Zhenghua Road, Caozili, Wuqing District, Tianjin
- Technical service hotline: 022-82910362
- Website: www.surfychem.com