Control of Foam Formation by Antifoam during Demineralization of Crustacean Shell in Preparation of Chitin

The effects of antifoam on the control of foam formation during the demineralization of crab shell in the preparation of chitin were evaluated. Foam formation was markedly controlled by addition of antifoam and decreased with increasing antifoam concentrations. At 1.00 mL of antifoam/L of 1 N HCl, the performance of antifoam was more efficient during demineralization with smaller shell particle size (<0.425 mm) and under a slightly faster stirring speed (300 rpm). Deproteinization followed by demineralization was found to be a more desirable process on the basis of the performance of the antifoam at a lower concentration. Antifoam effectively controlled foam formation during demineralization with deproteinized shell even at a low concentration of 0.33 mL of antifoam/L of 1 N HCl. Results for ash analysis of the shell demineralized without and with antifoam (1.00 mL/L) showed no noticeable difference.