Raw materials for superplasticizers
Superplasticizers are used extensively in larger projects where reinforcing steel requires high workability, for precast concrete and on site where the large water reduction capability provides very early strength concrete with improved durability.
Clariant is one of the world's leading suppliers of polyglycols used in the synthesis of PCE -superplasticizers (3rd generation superplasticizers).
Relevant products
Polyglycol methylethers
Our Polyglykol M-types meet all requirements for esterification e.g. with methacrylic acid, acrylic acid and pre-polymerized (meth-)acrylates. They contain a very low amount of diol to limit the formation of diesters which would cause unfavorable crosslinking during the final polymerization process.
Polyglycol methallyl ethers
Common alternative macromonomers for superplasticizers are Polyglycol methallyl ethers (Polyglykol ML) which can be directly polymerized in water. Therefore, this synthesis route saves cost and time and reduces complexity as there is no need for the esterification of a methoxy polyglycol before the polymerization process. Additionally, the formation of undesired cross-linkers is not possible via this route.
Polyglycol allylethers
Another alternative building block for superplasticizers are Clariant’s Polyglycol allyl ethers (Polyglykol A-type). Like the Polyglykol ML grades these macromonomers can be directly polymerized, preferably to acrylic acid in water. The advantage for our customers: the avoidance of the ester reaction step saves time and cost, reduces complexity, and there is no formation of cross-linking diols.
Polyglycol methacrylates
Our third alternative to Polyglykol M-types are polyglycol methacrylates (Polyglykol MA grades). With a molecular weight of up to 5000 g/mol these macromonomers can be directly polymerized with various comonomers in water to superplasticizers. Thus our customers save cost and time and reduce complexity as there is no need for the esterification of a methoxy polyglycol before the polymerization process. Additionally, crosslinking via diols is not an issue.
All Polyglykol Methacrylates are stabilized.
Polyether amines
Polyether amines contain primary amino groups attached to the end of a polyether backbone based on propylene oxide and/or ethylene oxide.
Polyether amines are used for the synthesis of the next generation (4th generation) rheology modifier and plasticizing agents which feature amine instead of hydroxyl groups. The products are also key ingredients in the formulation of polyurea spray coatings.
