Protein Based Foaming Agent

protein based foaming agent is a chemical compound that facilitates formation of foam such as surfactant or blowing agent.

Foaming agents are used in a number of detergents, soaps and cleaning products to disperse air bubbles in a liquid or solid matrix. A good foaming agent has a consumer appealing effect and can enhance performance of laundry, dishwashing, hair shampoo, shaving, and dentifrices.

The foaming properties of the proteins used in these methods are modified by hydrolysis and acylation or chemical modification with succinic anhydride, fatty acids or other compounds. The modifications can affect the properties of the protein including foamability, surface tension, and foam stability.

A protein based foaming agent is generally made from an animal by-product such as bloodmeal, bonemeal or meat. These by-products have a high content of protein that allows them to undergo hydralization process, which increases the strength of foamed concrete.

These hydrated protein particles have a complex chemical structure, which helps in enhancing the hydration of cement and therefore resulting in better mechanical strength of foamed concrete.

The surface tension of the hydrolyzed protein can be reduced to 28 mN/m, which is much lower than other types of foaming agents. This reduces the work needed to form the foam and improves its colloidal stability by inhibiting coalescence of bubbles.

The elasticity of the cellular concrete generated from the protein based foaming agent is high, which makes it more suitable for use in deep single lift pours. This foamed concrete is also non-permeable, making it more resistant to cracking and deterioration.