Sodium Gluconate in construction

Sodium gluconate is a compound with formula NaC6H11O7. It is the sodium salt of gluconic acid. It has the E number E576. Sodium gluconate is widely used in textile dyeing, printing and metal surface water treatment.

It is also used as a chelating agent, a steel surface cleaning agent, a cleaning agent for glass bottles, and as a chelating agent for cement, plating and alumina dyeing industries. It is a white colorless powder that is very soluble in water.

It is non-corrosive, non-toxic and resistant to oxidation and reduction, even at high temperatures. It is readily biodegradable .

In construction, Sodium Gluconate is a highly efficient set retarder and a good plasticiser-extender/ water reducer for concrete, mortar and gypsum.Sodium Gluconate additionally has excellent chelating power, especially in alkaline and concentrated alkaline solutions. It forms stable chelates with calcium, iron, copper, aluminium and other heavy metals and related compounds. It also has properties which inhibit bitterness in foodstuffs.

In one research, the plasticising mechanism of sodium gluconate retarder in cement paste containing a superplasticiser has been investigated in order to clarify the performance of the admixture combination in concrete. From adsorption and zeta-potential measurements, it is found that a lower viscosity occurs owing to the electrostatic repulsion and a lower particle volume fraction. Moreover, the gluconate anion is expected to enhance the formation of a homogenous polymer network on the cement grain surface, which explains the viscosity stabilisation time. In

situ investigations of hydration using environmental scanning electron microscopy showed that SG induced modifications of the ettringite crystal morphology by reducing the amount and size of the ettringite needles. From pore solution analysis and energy-dispersive X-ray spectra, a mineral similar to syngenite is detected. These morphological changes lower the shear resistance and the paste viscosity. A thorough understanding of the plasticising mechanism will lead eventually to a more predictable concrete flow behaviour, which is particularly useful for concrete practitioners facing concerns related to combined use of admixtures.

Main Functions / Properties

·         Excellent chelating agent

·         Highly efficient concrete set retarder

·         Efficient concrete plasticiser / water reducer

·         Bitterness inhibitor

·         Non toxic

·         Biodegradable

Keeping in mind the changing market dynamics and increasing customer requirements, we are in the process of pioneering research work in various grades of sodium gluconate custom made for the mentioned industries.  We are focused on offering comprehensive product and service to the market. It is the goal to remain in the forefront of technology, in the products the company specializes in.