SUPERPLASTICIZERS

HUAXUAN®Dry mortar additives are extremely efficient liquefiers which are readily tailored for performance products such as self-levelling and pumpable screeds, as well as underlayments, non-shrink grouts, repair mortars and plasters

 ‘PCE’ stands for PolyCarboxylate Ether and describes a polymer which is actually similar to a comb in shape. The backbone of the comb consists of a polycarboxylic acid (polycarboxylate) and the teeth of the comb are made of polyether chains. 

In a comparable way to conventional plasticizers PCE molecules are adsorbed onto the surfaces of solid particles via the polycarboxylic acid in their backbone. However, the side chains are not adsorbed but extend into the aqueous solution and prevent the convergence of solid particles. This effect is known as dispersal through steric hindrance. By varying the specific PCE polymer structure, the properties of the resulting superplasticizing liquid or powder can be adjusted and modified to suit different requirements. The main parameters which are varied are the length and nature of the polycarboxylic acid backbone and the length, number and type of side chains used.

In these and other ways tailor-made solutions for many different applications and binder systems, including different cements, calcium sulfate and ternary binder systems can be provided. This in turn allows the additive and thereby the finished dry mortar products essential characteristics to be precisely tailored to their respective application and requirements, particularly in terms of:

KEY FACTORS FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PCE TECHNOLOGY
́ Tailor made designs for specific requirements
́ High water reduction
́ High liquefaction
́ Strength increase
́ Shrinkage reduction
́ No release of formaldehyde
́ Improved cost performance

POWDERED OR LIQUID SUPERPLASTICIZERS?

For processing reasons, concrete admixtures are classically defined and produced as polymer dilutions in water, usually containing a defoaming agent to prevent or reduce possible aeration and ‘foaming’ during mixing and placing. 
Powdered superplasticizers for dry mortars and other applications do not typically contain defoamers (unless otherwise requested). This enables the adjustment of the air content of the mixed final mortar product to be made according to the application and performance requirements.