Evaluation of the Influence of Antifoam Formulations on Asphaltene Aggregates Using <scp>AFM</scp> and <scp>SEM‐EDS</scp>

ABSTRACT Asphaltenes, naturally occurring surfactants in crude oil play a pivotal role in stabilizing oily foams during primary oil processing. Accordingly, understanding how antifoam formulations influence asphaltene aggregation is essential. This study investigates the effect of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with varying molar masses on asphaltene organization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). SEM provided morphological characterization of the asphaltene aggregates, showing that PDMS with different molar masses alters both the size and structure of these clusters. AFM offered complementary nanoscale insights, revealing how PDMS impacts the interfacial behavior of asphaltenes. The findings demonstrate that PDMS molar mass significantly affects the dispersion and aggregation of asphaltenes, highlighting its potential for enhancing additive performance in petroleum processing. Overall, this study advances the understanding of PDMS–asphaltene interactions and supports the development of more effective solutions for oil and gas separation in primary processing in the oil industry.