Concrete plays an essential role in modern infrastructure. It is, of course, the substance that made it possible for humans to build skyscrapers. Concrete is quite durable but can be improved by adding various admixtures, which can help enhance concrete’s strength and adaptability.

Sodium naphthalene sulfonate is a substance added to concrete to reduce water usage, add strength, and make the concrete easier to work with.

It is also known as SNF, a superplasticizer based on naphthalene. There are three types of SNF – A, B, and C, and the main difference among them is the chlorine content, water reduction, and fluidity. SNF is an alkaline substance that can improve the properties of concrete.
Here’s why you should use a naphthalene based superplasticizer:

  1. You can reduce cement usage by a big margin by adding naphthalene sulfate into the concrete mixture. However, the ratio of concrete strength to slump must be constant to achieve better results.
  2. By altering how you use the substance, you can delay or advance the setting time of the concrete by adding SNF. In addition, it also increases the early strength of concrete.
  3. It reduces water usage by at least ten percent, and SNF can increase the initial slump to ten centimeters.
  4. The best quality of the substance can improve the concrete’s overall strength by up to sixty percent.
  5. The mixture is adaptable to other agents as well. So, if you plan to use other admixtures like waterproofing, concrete, cleaning agent, or other such admixture, you can freely use SNF with them.
  6. SNF is safe to use as it does not corrode metal or steel and is non-polluting.

Uses of SNF

This superplasticizer is the material of choice for construction projects that require free-flowing concrete, and SNF helps make the concrete more pumpable while saving water and materials. Due to its characteristics, it can also be used as a composite accelerator.

It is the best material to use if you want high-strength concrete in construction. The substance helps reduce the water ratio in the concrete by up to thirty percent, which can add to its integrity and strength. Besides, it can also be used for high-performance, steamed, and pumped concrete.

Moreover, due to its properties and non-polluting nature, SNF is used in other industries besides construction, such as farming, rubber, plastic, paper making, petroleum and oil, textile, and other industries.

However, most commonly, it is used for construction projects of power plants, houses, skyscrapers, tunnels, water conservancy, ports, and other such projects.

How to choose an SNF supplier?

If you need this substance for a civil project or any other purpose, you must reach out to a reputed supplier. Here are some things to check while choosing the best supplier:

  • Experience: The longer they have been in the industry, the more trustworthy they are likely to be. Shortlist only those suppliers that have relevant experience in the industry.
  • Quality: Materials like sodium naphthalene sulfonate come in various qualities, so you must ensure they have the best quality materials. Look for different types of quality ratings such as ISO, BV, or SGS.
  • Price: Do not simply choose a supplier that offers the materials for the lowest amount; consider choosing one that strikes a balance between quality and affordability.

SNF is a versatile, affordable, and effective admixture that you can use to reduce water content in the concrete to improve its durability.