SNF (Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde Condensate, also called Sulfonated Naphthalene Formaldehyde or Beta-Naphthalenesulfonic Acid Formaldehyde Condensate) is a traditional high-range water-reducing admixture (HRWR) widely used in concrete, gypsum, ceramics, and dye industries. While newer PCE superplasticizers offer higher water reduction, SNF remains the most cost-effective workhorse admixture in price-sensitive markets across South Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Definly Chemicals supplies SNF in two key grades — standard (low cost, higher Na₂SO₄ content) and low-sulfate (cleaner formulation for sensitive applications) — in both spray-dried powder and liquid forms.
Quick Facts
| Chemical Name | Sodium Naphthalene Sulfonate Formaldehyde Condensate |
| Synonyms | SNF, NSF, BNS, Sodium Polynaphthalene Sulfonate |
| CAS Number | 9084-06-4 / 36290-04-7 |
| Appearance | Brown to dark-brown free-flowing powder (or liquid) |
| Solid Content (Liquid) | 30% / 40% / 95+% (powder) |
| Water Reduction | 18–25% at 0.5–1.0% dosage by cement weight |
| Packaging | 25 kg PP-laminated bags or 1000 kg jumbo bags (powder); IBC / drum (liquid) |
| MOQ | 1 MT sample / 25 MT FCL bulk |
| Lead Time | 10–15 days |
SNF Grades Available
| Grade | Sodium Sulfate | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Standard SNF (FDN-A) | ≤15% | General concrete, gypsum, dye dispersant |
| Low-Na SNF (FDN-C) | ≤5% | High-strength concrete, alkali-sensitive aggregates |
| Ultra-Low-Na SNF | ≤3% | Pre-stressed and pre-cast concrete with strict ASR limits |
Technical Specifications (Powder, FDN-A)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Solid Content | ≥92% |
| pH (10% solution) | 7–9 |
| Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) | ≤15% |
| Chloride Ion | ≤0.1% |
| Surface Tension | ≤65 mN/m |
| Cement Paste Fluidity | ≥240 mm |
Applications
- Concrete water reducer — cost-effective high-range water reduction for general structural and ready-mix concrete in price-sensitive markets.
- Gypsum board manufacturing — reduces water demand and improves board density / strength.
- Dye dispersant — standard dispersing agent for vat and disperse dyes in textile dyeing.
- Ceramic and refractory casting — deflocculant for slip casting of ceramic ware and refractory materials.
- Leather tanning — auxiliary in chrome-tanning processes.
Why Choose Definly SNF
- Stable supply — consistent monthly capacity for 25 MT FCL shipments to South Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
- Multiple grades — standard, low-Na, and ultra-low-Na variants for different concrete and ASR sensitivity requirements.
- Powder and liquid options — spray-dried powder for cost-efficient sea freight, liquid for direct ready-mix dosing.
- Cross-sell with PCE — Definly customers commonly run dual-admixture portfolios (SNF for low-cost concrete + PCE for high-performance concrete) sourced from the same supplier.
- Full export documentation — COA, MSDS, GB 8076 / ASTM C494 Type F compliance, Certificate of Origin (Form E / Form F).
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use SNF instead of PCE?
SNF is preferred when concrete cost-per-cubic-meter is more important than maximum water reduction or slump retention. Typical SNF use cases: low-rise residential concrete, mass concrete projects in price-sensitive markets, gypsum board production, and dye/ceramic dispersant applications. PCE is preferred for high-strength, durable, or premium-finish concrete.
What is the difference between standard and low-Na SNF?
Standard SNF contains up to 15% sodium sulfate as a manufacturing residue. Low-Na SNF (≤5% Na₂SO₄) is used when concrete specifications limit total alkali content to prevent alkali-silica reaction (ASR) with reactive aggregates, or in pre-stressed concrete where chloride and alkali contributions are tightly controlled.
Can I mix SNF and PCE in the same concrete?
Generally not recommended without trial verification. SNF and PCE work via different dispersion mechanisms (electrostatic vs. steric) and may show non-additive or even antagonistic interactions in some cement-aggregate combinations. If a project requires both cost reduction and high performance, Definly recommends our retarding-PCE grades or custom blended formulations.
Is SNF compatible with calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) or rapid-hardening cements?
Compatibility varies. SNF generally performs well with ordinary Portland and blended cements but may show reduced or unpredictable performance with rapid-hardening, CSA, or aluminate-rich cements. Trial mixes are essential for these systems. Definly can supply both PCE and SNF samples for parallel evaluation.
What is the shelf life?
Powder SNF: 24 months in original sealed packaging stored in a dry environment. Liquid SNF: 12 months in sealed containers at 5–35°C, protected from freezing.
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