Polycarboxylates are linear polymers with a high molecular mass (M ≤ 100 000) and with many carboxylate groups. They are polymers of acrylic acid or copolymers of acrylic acid and maleic acid. The polymer is used as the sodium salt.
Polycarboxylates are used as builders in detergents. Their high chelating power, even at low concentrations, reduces deposits on the laundry and inhibits the crystal growth of calcite (threshold effect). Polycarboxylate ethers (PCE) are used as superplasticizers in concrete production.
Application
- Detergent
- Concert
