When water is added on site, the powder defoamer redisperses and acts to break foam generated during mixing — preventing air entrainment that would reduce the density, compressive strength, and waterproofing performance of tile adhesives, self-levelling screeds, grouts, and repair mortars used across GCC construction projects.
Technical specifications
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION | TEST METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| Types Available | Silicone powder, mineral oil powder, TIBP-based powder | — |
| Appearance | Free-flowing white to off-white powder | Visual |
| Active Defoamer Content | 50 – 100% (on carrier) | — |
| Carrier | SiO₂, starch, or perlite (grade dependent) | — |
| Particle Size | < 100 μm | Sieve |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 3.0 % | — |
| Typical Addition Level | 0.1 – 0.5% on dry mix weight | — |
| Shelf Life | 12 months sealed, < 30°C | — |
| HS Code | 3402.90 |
Applications
- Tile Adhesive & Tile Grout — Controls foam generated during the high-shear mixing of tile adhesives on GCC construction sites — preventing air pockets in the adhesive bed that would reduce contact area with the tile and compromise bond strength.
- Self-Levelling Underlayments — Eliminates macro-foam bubbles in pump-applied self-levelling compounds that would burst and leave pinholes on the surface — critical for the smooth finish required under resilient and ceramic flooring.
- Cementitious Waterproofing Systems — Prevents air entrainment in 2K and 1K cementitious waterproofing coatings — air voids in waterproofing reduce the barrier to water ingress and create pathways for capillary absorption in GCC water features, podium decks, and wet areas.
- Concrete Repair Mortars — Controls foam in hand-applied and pumpable concrete repair systems — excessive air reduces compressive strength and bond to parent concrete on GCC infrastructure and building repair projects.
- Renders & Machine Plaster — Prevents foam generation in machine-applied renders during high-speed pumping and spraying on GCC building facades.
Key properties
- Free-flowing powder — pre-mixed into dry formulation at factory
- Redisperses on site when water is added — no liquid dosing required
- Silicone types: highly effective at low levels (0.1–0.2%)
- TIBP types: effective in cementitious systems, no silicone interference
- Does not affect setting time or compressive strength at recommended levels
- Compatible with HPMC, RDP, starch ether, and standard dry-mix additives
- Broad pH stability in alkaline cement environments (pH 11–13)
- Single-pack convenience — no separate liquid additive required
Usage and recommendations
Add to dry blend at 0.1–0.3% on total dry mix weight. For self-levelling and pumpable systems where foam is most problematic, use at 0.3–0.5%. Silicone powder defoamers are most effective but can interfere with adhesion in over-dosage — test carefully. TIBP-based powder defoamers are preferred in systems where silicone compatibility is a concern. In GCC summer conditions, site mixing with hot water (> 40°C) can increase foam generation — consider slight increase in defoamer loading for summer production. Contact Raykem for grade selection.
Packaging
- 25 kg Multi-Wall Paper Bags
- 500 kg Supersacks
Storage and shelf life
Store in sealed bags below 30°C in a dry warehouse. Avoid moisture — powder defoamers can cake and lose activity on moisture uptake. Shelf life: 12 months.