New-Generation Polycarboxylate Ether

Next-Generation Polycarboxylate Ether as a Fluid-Retaining Agent in Concrete and Construction Applications Polycarboxylate ether, commonly known as PCE or superplasticizer, has found widespread use as an additive in the construction sector due to its ability to make concrete stronger and more workable. PCEs are used in a wide range of applications requiring high strength, such as tall buildings and bridges. One of the most important advantages of PCEs is their capacity to improve concrete workability. With this property, PCEs facilitate concrete mixing, placement and curing, supporting more efficient execution of construction processes. At the same time, as they can help prevent segregation, they provide significant advantages when concrete needs to be pumped or placed in hard-to-reach areas. Beyond improving workability, PCEs also increase the mechanical strength of concrete, reduce the water-cement ratio by decreasing specific water content, and support improvement of concrete's compressive strength. This becomes particularly important in situations requiring high-strength concrete, such as the construction of tall buildings or bridges. When compared with other superplasticizer types such as melamine formaldehyde (SMF) and sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF), the use of PCE is known to be far more advantageous. It is particularly preferred in terms of workability because it is more resistant to changes in temperature and humidity. Concrete structures using PCE require attention to one important factor: control of air entrainment potential. As a result of PCEs' tendency to increase air content in the material, concrete strength and durability can be compromised. (1) This can be extremely problematic when concrete is exposed to freeze-thaw cycles or other environmental changes that could lead to cracking and deterioration. In PCE products, slump retention and water-reduction properties are expected parameters for enriching concrete quality and improving workability. From Reaksiyon Kimya's PCE product range, RCW 300 NP and 320 are finding market application with their water-reduction properties, while RCW 355 is preferred as a slump-retention product. Table 1 lists the analysis values for Maxflow RCW 355 with slump-retention properties specified. In Table 1, Maxflow RCW 355, developed as a slump-retention agent, was used at dosages of 1% and 1.4% in two different trials and flow tests were observed. Upon examining the results, the product's spread was determined to be 610 and 640 mm respectively. Similar results were obtained at both dosages at the 30-minute mark, and spread reduction was observed from the 60-minute mark onwards. When the PCE dosage was 1%, spread values were observed even at the 120-minute mark; however, in tests where the amount was set at 1.4%, results close to the initial spread were obtained. In this case, it is understood that the ideal product dosage in the determined formulation is 1.4%, though it is recommended that quantities be optimized according to sand and aggregate content and the properties of other additives. The results obtained from trials conducted on the Maxflow RCW 300 NP product with water-reduction properties are listed in Table 2. The water-reducing Maxflow 300NP polycarboxylate ether product was used at dosages of 1% and 1.25%, and spread pressure values were observed. In 28-day tests of Maxflow 300NP, it was determined that compressive strength was quite high, and increased dosage had a positive effect on compressive strength. Initial spread values also showed increases proportional to dosage, and while ideal spread and compressive strength optimization can be adjusted according to applications, the product was observed to perform quite well in terms of compressive strength. Powder Polycarboxylate Ether as a Third-Generation Hyperplasticizer Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) is a chemical admixture in powder form used in the construction sector to improve concrete workability and performance. It increases the fluidity of concrete, facilitating its pouring and spreading. PCE works on the principle of dispersing cement particles and improving concrete strength and durability by reducing the water-cement ratio. PCE use supports the reduction of cement content in concrete mixtures, which helps reduce the carbon footprint of construction projects. For this reason, PCE is evaluated as a material supporting sustainability since, beyond improving performance, it reduces cement demand in concrete mixtures. Considering that cement production negatively affects greenhouse gas emissions, it is clear that PCE will significantly support reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects. The mechanical strength and spread tests in gypsum formulations for the third-generation hyperplasticizer Powder Polycarboxylate Maxflow RCW 500P, developed by Reaksiyon Kimya A.Ş. in 2015 through a TÜBİTAK project, are listed in Table 3. As shown in Table 3, powder PCE Maxflow 500 P provided the expected spread values even when used in very low dosages, and quite high compressive strength was achieved by the 28-day mark.

Product Market Information

According to Turkey Ready-Mixed Concrete Association's 2020 sector reports, the concrete admixture market in Turkey is estimated at around 457,000 tonnes. (2) The share of domestically produced plasticizers consisting of naphthalene formaldehyde sulfonate and melamine formaldehyde represents 80% of total production. On a global scale, the PCE market size is USD 7,316 million, and with annual increases of 4.2% during the 2021-27 period, it is expected to reach USD 9,735.3 million by the end of 2027. In the USD 7,316 million global PCE market, powder polycarboxylates are estimated to constitute approximately USD 365 million. (3) In a report presenting 2020 data, the European Concrete Admixtures Federation (EFCA) noted that Turkey, with 40% market share, has surpassed all competitors in the field of concrete admixtures in Europe. Considering Turkey's concrete admixture production potential, investments in this field are expected to address a broad market at the international level, and with domestic production of import-substituting products, Turkey is anticipated to establish a significant position in the global market. The earthquake disaster experienced in our country has once again demonstrated the importance of quality and long-lasting materials and technologies for the entire construction sector. In this direction, Reaksiyon Kimya A.Ş., adopting the motto of quality domestic production, targets annual production of 12,000 tonnes of liquid PCE and 3,000 tonnes of powder PCE through PCE investments expected to be completed in June 2023, and aims to meet not only domestic market demand in Turkey but also international demand.   References 1. Özyıldırım, Ç., The Role of Air-Entraining Admixtures in Concrete Durability, 2nd Symposium on Additives in Buildings, 2007, 37-52 2. https://www.thbb.org/media/499910/thbb-hazir-beton-sekt%C3%B6r-raporu.pdf 3. https://menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.aspx?storyid=1101182162&title=Global-Polycarboxylate-Ether-PCE-Superplasticizer- Market-Size-Worth-Around-USD-93429-million-by-2026-from-USD-7316-million-in-2020-at-a-CAGR-of-42-During-2020-2026-with-Top-Countries-Data   Dr. Yasemin İlhan Sales and Marketing Manager Reaksiyon Kimya A.Ş.