The difference between PCE liquid and PCE powder
by GIANT | Mar 01, 2025
Polycarboxylic acid superplasticizer (PCE) is divided into two forms: liquid and powder, with differences in production process, performance, application, and usage. The following is a detailed comparison of the two forms.
1. PCE liquid
Features
1. Appearance : light yellow or colorless transparent liquid.
2. Stability : The liquid state is easy to store and transport, with good stability and can be used at any time.
3. Easy to use : no need to dissolve, can be directly added to the concrete mixing water.
4. Concentration range : usually the solid content is 40% -50%.
5. Application scenarios :
Suitable for large concrete mixing plants and on-site pumping concrete projects.
Efficient water reduction, suitable for pumping concrete, high-performance concrete, and fluidized concrete.
Advantage
Reduce on-site preparation steps and improve construction efficiency.
Suitable for construction environments that require quick addition and high fluidity.
Disadvantages
Large volume, high transportation and storage costs.
Freezing may occur under low temperature conditions and requires antifreeze treatment.
2. PCE powder
Features
1. Appearance : white or light yellow powder.
2. Portability : light weight, small size, convenient transportation and storage.
3. Usage : It needs to be dissolved into a liquid before use (usually dissolved concentration is 10% -20%).
4. Concentration range : pure powder form, high active substance content (≥ 90%).
5. Application scenarios :
Suitable for export trade, cross-regional transportation, and special construction sites.
Suitable for fields such as dry mortar and self-leveling mortar, and can also be used to produce liquid PCE.
Advantage
Long storage period, not easy to deteriorate, suitable for long-term storage.
Low transportation costs, especially suitable for long-distance transportation or export.
Concentration can be adjusted according to demand, with strong flexibility.
Disadvantages
Additional dissolution is required during use to increase on-site construction preparation time.
• High dissolution technology is required to ensure uniform dissolution to avoid performance being affected.
Performance comparison
Item PCE Liquid PCE Powder
Appearance Light yellow transparent liquid, white or light yellow powder
Solid content 40% -50% ≥ 90%
Storage conditions Anti-freezing, anti-high temperature, dry and ventilated place can be
Storage costs are higher and lower
Convenience of use Direct use, no need to dissolve, need to dissolve in advance, increase preparation time
Transportation cost Large volume, high transportation cost, small volume, convenient transportation
Application scenarios Concrete engineering, mixing plants, pumped concrete, dry mortar, remote construction or export transportation
Shelf life 6 months (liquid stability is easily affected by the environment) 12 months or more (dry powder stability is strong)
Precautions for use
1. PCE Liquid
Directly add it to the concrete mixing water for use to ensure even mixing.
Store in an environment between 5 ° C and 40 ° C, avoid freezing or high temperature exposure.
Regularly check the stability of the liquid to prevent delamination or precipitation.
2. PCE powder
Use clean water when dissolving, with a recommended dissolution concentration of 10% -20%.
Ensure sufficient mixing to avoid clumping or precipitation affecting performance.
Store in a dry and ventilated place to avoid moisture or pollution.
Summary
Applicable Scenario PCE Liquid PCE Powder
Local engineering/daily use is more suitable, convenient for direct use, no need for additional processing. Not suitable, dissolution step is required.
Export trade/long-distance transportation The transportation cost is high, and large-scale long-distance transportation is not recommended. Suitable, small size, convenient transportation, long shelf life.
High performance concrete/pumping construction direct use effect is better, reduce construction steps. Available, but need to be used after additional dissolution treatment.
Dry mortar/special mortar is less used for dry powder materials. More suitable, can be directly mixed with mortar and other materials.
PCE liquids and powders have their own advantages and disadvantages. Users can choose the appropriate product form according to specific engineering needs, construction conditions, and cost budgets.
