Post Date:13,Oct,2025
1. Different molecular structures and action mechanisms
Polycarboxylate water reducer has a comb-shaped molecular structure, with carboxyl groups in the main chain and polyether segments in the side chain, and has a dual dispersion mechanism of electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance. This structure helps the molecule form a "protective shell" on the surface of cement particles, effectively improving the dispersion ability and slump retention performance. Naphthalene-based water reducer is a traditional admixture, based on naphthalenesulfonic acid. The dispersion principle mainly relies on electrostatic repulsion, the molecular structure is relatively simple, and the function is single.
2. The water reduction rate and slump retention performance are significantly different
In terms of water reduction rate, polycarboxylate water reducer usually performs better than naphthalene products, with a water reduction rate of 20% to 25%, and has a more stable performance in maintaining the fluidity of concrete. Even in long-term transportation or high temperature environment, the slump change is relatively small. In contrast, the water reduction rate of naphthalene-based water reducer is generally around 10% to 15%, and the slump loss is relatively fast, especially in summer construction, which is prone to workability problems.
3. There is a difference between environmental protection and green performance
Polycarboxylate water reducer is more in line with the standards of green building materials and environmentally friendly construction due to its low alkalinity, low odor and low VOC emission. Especially in the context of the country's vigorous promotion of green buildings, its application prospects are broad. Because naphthalene-based water reducers contain aromatic compounds, they may release trace amounts of organic volatiles during use, which have a certain impact on the construction environment and personnel. Some products also have high alkalinity characteristics, which is not conducive to sustainable construction.
4. Different adaptability to applicable projects and construction conditions
Polycarboxylate water reducers are suitable for a variety of complex working conditions such as pumped concrete, high-performance concrete, self-compacting concrete, prefabricated components, etc., especially under harsh conditions such as high strength and long working time. Naphthalene-based water reducers are mostly used in general projects or cost-sensitive projects with low performance requirements, such as ordinary commercial concrete, road foundation construction, etc.
5. Comparison of comprehensive cost and cost-effectiveness
From the perspective of raw materials, naphthalene-based water reducers have economic advantages in some projects due to their mature technology and low cost. However, they are slightly limited in performance and are easily affected by cement type and temperature. The synthesis process of polycarboxylic acid water-reducing agent is relatively complicated and the price is slightly higher, but it has high water-reducing efficiency and stable construction performance. From the perspective of overall usage, performance improvement, concrete durability, etc., its unit strength cost is more competitive.
Post time: Oct-13-2025