The optimization and improvement of the performance of concrete, as a fundamental material in the construction industry, has always been a focus of researchers' attention. In recent years, with the development of air carried concrete, the application of defoamers in concrete has gradually received attention. Defoamers play an important role in improving the mechanical properties, insulation, and freeze-thaw durability of concrete by reducing the air content and suppressing the generation of bubbles.

The research progress of concrete defoamers mainly reflects in the diversification of defoamer types, improvement of performance, and expansion of application fields. According to the classification of raw materials, commonly used concrete defoamers mainly include fat, polyether, organosilicon, and polyether modified organosilicon. Although fat based defoamers are cheap and environmentally friendly, their defoaming ability is limited and their storage stability is poor. Polyether defoamers can meet the requirements of different concrete systems by adjusting the hydrophilic and lipophilic balance values in their molecular chains, but their performance still needs further improvement. Organosilicon defoamers are highly favored for their excellent defoaming performance, chemical stability, and environmental friendliness, but their dispersibility in concrete still needs improvement. Polyether modified organosilicon defoamers combine the advantages of the previous two and have become a hot research topic in recent years.

In terms of application, concrete defoamers are mainly used in pre mixed cement slurries to eliminate oversized bubbles and suppress the generation of large bubbles. These large bubbles are often formed by the use of polycarboxylate (PCE) polymers and some additives, which have adverse effects on the mechanical properties of concrete. The addition of defoamers can significantly improve the density and strength of concrete, and enhance its performance.

In addition, with the continuous development of the construction industry, the application fields of concrete defoamers are also constantly expanding. In addition to traditional housing and road construction, concrete defoamers are also widely used in high-performance concrete, self leveling concrete, precast concrete and other fields. These fields have higher requirements for the performance of concrete, and the application of defoamers is particularly important.

In summary, the research progress and application of concrete defoamers are of great significance for improving concrete performance, expanding application fields, and promoting the sustainable development of the construction industry. In the future, with the continuous emergence of new materials and technologies, the performance and application scope of concrete defoamers will be further improved and expanded.