After adding a foaming agent to the disinfectant and using a specialized foaming gun for disinfection, the moistened surface develops a visible “white” layer after disinfection, clearly indicating the areas where the disinfectant has been sprayed. This foam-based disinfection method has been increasingly accepted and adopted by more and more farms.
The main component of the foaming agent is a surfactant, an important product in fine chemicals, often referred to as the “industrial MSG.” Surfactants are substances that can significantly reduce the surface tension of a target solution. They possess fixed hydrophilic and lipophilic groups and can align directionally on the surface of a solution. By adsorbing at the interface between gas and liquid phases, they lower the surface tension of water. They can also reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water by adsorbing at the liquid-liquid interface. With a wide range of applications and diverse functions, surfactants offer capabilities such as solubilization, thickening, emulsification, wetting, foaming/defoaming, cleaning and decontamination, dispersion, sterilization and disinfection, antistatic effects, softening, and smoothing.
Foaming is one of the key functions of surfactants. Foaming surfactants can reduce the surface tension of water and arrange in a double electric layer on the surface of the liquid film to trap air, forming bubbles. These individual bubbles then combine to create foam. High-quality foaming agents exhibit strong foaming power, fine foam texture, and excellent foam stability.
The three essential elements for effective disinfection are: an effective disinfectant, an effective concentration, and sufficient contact time. While ensuring the quality of the disinfectant, using a disinfectant solution formulated with a foaming agent and applying it with a specialized foaming gun increases the contact time between the disinfectant and the target surface as well as pathogenic microorganisms, thereby achieving more efficient and thorough disinfection.
Post time: Oct-29-2025