[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, the basic principle of the action of water reducing agent.

Water reducer properties

A water reducing agent, also known as a cement dispersant, is a chemical additive that can significantly reduce the amount of water mixed while maintaining the slump of concrete. Its main function is to improve the fluidity of cement slurry by changing the surface properties of cement particles. Water reducing agents are usually composed of organic surfactants, which are divided into anionic, nonionic and amphoteric types. Its chemical structure usually contains hydrophilic groups and hydrophobic groups, which enables the water reducing agent to form a stable adsorption film between the cement particles and water, thereby preventing the re-polymerization of the particles.

Water reducing agent use

Water reducing agent is widely used in concrete industry, and its main uses include the following aspects: water reducing agent can improve the fluidity and plasticity of concrete, so as to improve the construction performance and make the concrete easier to pour and form; water reducing agent can reduce the amount of water in concrete and improve the density and strength of concrete; again, by reducing the water cement ratio, Water reducing agent can also significantly improve the durability and frost resistance of concrete. Water reducer also plays an important role in the production of high performance concrete and self-compacting concrete.

Superplasticizer upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of water reducing agents involves a variety of chemical raw materials. The upstream raw materials mainly include various surfactants, such as naphthalene and formaldehyde required for naphthalene water reducing agents, acrylic acid and vinyl ether required for polycarboxylic acid water reducing agents, etc. Some auxiliary raw materials are also needed, such as initiators, stabilizers and solvents. Downstream products are mainly various types of water reducing agents, including naphthalene water reducing agents, polycarboxylate water reducing agents and lignosulfonate water reducing agents. These water reducing agent products are widely used in construction, bridges, tunnels and water conservancy projects.

Water reducing agent storage method

The storage of water reducing agents requires attention to moisture, sun and freeze protection. Liquid water reducing agent should be stored in a closed plastic or metal container to avoid contact with air to prevent oxidation and moisture evaporation. The solid water reducing agent should be stored in a dry and ventilated warehouse to avoid moisture and high temperature. The water reducing agent should avoid exposure to sunlight during transportation, and pay attention to prevent packaging damage and leakage. In order to ensure the effect of the use of water reducing agent, the storage time should not be too long, it is generally recommended to use it in half a year to one year.

Water Reducing Agent Market Analysis

In recent years, with the rapid development of infrastructure construction and real estate industry, the market demand for water reducing agent is growing. Especially in the promotion of high-performance concrete and green building, the market share of polycarboxylate superplasticizer is gradually expanding due to its excellent performance and environmental protection characteristics. According to the data of market research institutions, the water reducing agent market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 5-7%. Many chemical companies at home and abroad have increased their investment in the research and development of water reducing agents, and continue to introduce new water reducing agent products with better performance and wider application range.

Water-reducing agent technology trends

At present, the technological development of water reducing agent mainly focuses on the following aspects: improving the water reducing effect and durability, reducing the sensitivity to cement type and temperature; developing multi-functional composite water reducing agent, such as products with water reducing, retarding, early strength and other functions; again, promoting the development of green environmental protection water reducing agent and reducing environmental pollution in the process of production and use. The application of intelligent and digital technology is also promoting the innovation of the water reducing agent industry, such as the use of big data analysis and artificial intelligence to optimize formula design, improve product quality and production efficiency.

Water reducing agent application case

In practical engineering, the application cases of water reducing agent are numerous. For example, in a large bridge project, the use of polycarboxylate superplasticizer not only significantly improves the working performance of concrete, but also reduces the shrinkage and cracks of concrete, and improves the durability of the structure. In a high-rise building project, through the use of superplasticizer, the water-cement ratio of concrete is successfully reduced, the strength and durability of concrete are improved, and the quality of the project is ensured. In some projects under extreme climatic conditions, the application of water reducing agent also effectively improves the freeze-thaw resistance and durability of concrete.

Water reducing agent use matters needing attention

Although water reducing agent has many advantages in concrete production, but its use also need to pay attention to some matters. It is necessary to select the appropriate type and dosage of water reducing agent according to the specific engineering requirements and environmental conditions; the addition method and timing of water reducing agent have a significant impact on its effect, and the operation should be strictly in accordance with the instructions for use; again, water reducing agent products of different manufacturers may have compatibility problems, and sufficient test verification should be carried out when mixed use. In order to ensure the use effect of the water reducing agent, attention should be paid to the storage and storage conditions to prevent product deterioration and failure.

Water-reducing agent for environmental protection and sustainable development

With the increasingly stringent environmental protection regulations and the popularization of the concept of sustainable development, the water reducing agent industry is also actively promoting the development of green environmental protection technology. Many companies have begun to use bio-based raw materials and environmentally friendly production processes to reduce energy consumption and pollutant emissions in the production process. The recycling of waste water reducing agent and its packaging materials has gradually received attention. Some new environmentally friendly water reducing agent products not only have excellent performance, but also have good biodegradability and low toxicity, and are more environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

As an important concrete admixture, water reducing agent has been widely used in modern engineering construction because of its excellent water reducing and modification performance. With the continuous progress of technology and the growth of market demand, the development prospect of water reducing agent industry is very broad. In the future, with the further promotion of green building and high-performance concrete, the application of water reducing agent will be more extensive, and higher requirements will be put forward for its performance and environmental protection. Enterprises should strengthen R & D investment, innovate production technology, improve product quality, and actively respond to the dual challenges of market and technology.