SNF 5% Sodium Sulfate Grade is the low-sulfate option in LigninCorp’s sodium naphthalene formaldehyde range for concrete and cement systems where sulfate control is part of the purchasing specification.
Product identity: Sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate (SNF/PNS), CAS 36290-04-7, brown to dark-brown powder.
Selection point: Choose this grade when the project specification, cement compatibility programme or downstream formulation requires a lower sodium sulfate limit. Grade selection does not replace concrete mix trials.
Why Buyers Specify the 5% Grade
Controlled Sulfate Input
The lower sodium sulfate ceiling helps formulators manage the total soluble-salt contribution from the admixture package.
Defined Procurement Grade
The grade is supplied against an agreed specification and shipment COA, supporting supplier qualification and incoming quality control.
Cement Dispersion
As an anionic polymeric dispersant, SNF adsorbs on cement particles and assists particle separation, flow development and water-demand reduction.
Application Validation
Actual response depends on cement chemistry, supplementary cementitious materials, temperature, mixing sequence and the complete admixture formulation.
Reference Specification
| Parameter | Reference value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Brown to dark-brown powder |
| Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) | 5% maximum |
| Solids content | 91% minimum |
| Net starch fluidity | 220 mm minimum |
| Chloride content | 0.4% maximum |
| pH | 7–9 |
Reference values are linked to the current product TDS. The mutually agreed sales specification and batch COA govern supply. Confirm the applicable test methods and document revision before approval.
Recommended Trial and Qualification Process
- Confirm the required sodium sulfate ceiling and applicable test method.
- Request the current TDS, SDS and representative COA.
- Screen compatibility with the actual cement, SCMs and other admixtures.
- Establish the starting trial dosage from the current TDS, then optimise through laboratory and plant trials.
- Approve the grade against workability, retention, setting, air content and strength criteria relevant to the project.
Grade Comparison and Technical Resources
For the full product family, visit the SNF superplasticizer product overview. Compare the 18% sodium sulfate grade and 20% sodium sulfate grade, or review our concrete admixture applications.
5% vs 18% vs 20%: SNF Grade Comparison
The number in each grade name is the maximum sodium sulfate content. All values below are from the current TDS of each grade.
| Parameter | SNF 5% (this page) | SNF 18% | SNF 20% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product code | GAC-SNF-5 | GAC-SNF-18 | GAC-SNF-20 |
| Sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) | 5% max | 18% max | 20% max |
| Net starch (cement paste) fluidity | 220 mm min | 210 mm min | 210 mm min |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | 0.4% max | 0.5% max | 0.5% max |
| Solids content | 91% min | 91% min | 91% min |
| pH | 7–9 | 7–9 | 7–9 |
| Surface tension | (71 ± 1) × 10⁻³ N/m | (71 ± 1) × 10⁻³ N/m | (71 ± 1) × 10⁻³ N/m |
Packaging and Storage
25 kg woven or kraft bags, or 500 kg / 600 kg jumbo bags with inner liner; other packing by contract. Store sealed in a dry, ventilated warehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “5%” mean in SNF 5%?
It is the maximum sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) content in the GAC-SNF-5 TDS, the lowest-sulfate grade in this range. It is not a dosage.
How is the 5% grade different from the 18% and 20% grades?
Besides the lower sulfate limit, the 5% TDS has a higher net starch fluidity minimum (220 mm vs 210 mm) and a tighter chloride limit (0.4% vs 0.5% max). Solids, pH and surface tension limits are the same.
When is a low-sulfate SNF grade worth specifying?
When the project limits soluble salts, or when the SNF goes into a concentrated liquid admixture where the formulator wants less salt in solution.
What starting dosage does the TDS give?
A supplier-recommended starting trial range of 0.5–1.0% by weight of cementitious materials; confirm the production dosage by trial.
How is it packed?
25 kg woven or kraft bags, or 500 kg / 600 kg jumbo bags with inner liner.