Superplasticizers Market Expected to Reach $19.1 Billion by 2031—Allied Market Research

According to a new report published by Allied Market Research, titled, “Superplasticizers Market," The superplasticizers market was valued at $9.7 billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach $19.1 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2022 to 2031.

Superplasticizers are typically added to concrete in small amounts, typically between 0.5% and 3% by weight of cement. These are chemical additives that are used in large construction projects where a significant amount of concrete is required, such as high-rise buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects. Superplasticizers can also reduce the water content of concrete without compromising its workability, which results in higher strength and durability of the final product. This can help to improve the overall quality of the concrete and make it more resistant to damage from environmental factors.

Superplasticizers can contribute to the sustainability of construction projects by reducing the amount of cement and water required to produce concrete. This can lower the environmental impact of the project and reduce construction costs.

Superplasticizers have a number of advantages, including higher durability, lower water content, and increased strength. These advantages can result in lower labor costs, shorter building schedules, and better overall concrete quality. Superplasticizers can contribute to the sustainability of construction projects by reducing the amount of cement and water required to produce concrete. It can lower the carbon footprint of the project and reduce the environmental impact of construction activities.

The growth of the global superplasticizers market is majorly attributable to its wide applications in various industries such as ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, and self-compacting concrete. Moreover, growth in preference for precast concrete in the construction industry is expected to drive the market growth during the forecast period. However, high cost of superplasticizer is projected to hinder the expansion of the market. On the contrary, new product developments and technological advancements are expected to offer ample growth opportunities for the superplasticizers market.  

The superplasticizers market is segmented into form, type, application, and region. On the basis of form, the market is bifurcated into powder and liquid. On the basis of type, it is categorized into lignosulphonates, sulphonated melamine formaldehyde, sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde, and polycarboxylate derivatives. On the basis of application, the market is classified into ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, self-compacting concrete and others. Region wise, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Surge in construction and infrastructural activities drive the market growth of superplasticizers market during the forecast period. Superplasticizers are chemical additions used to improve the workability and strength of concrete, allowing it to be poured, moulded, and put in a variety of configurations. They are commonly used in infrastructure projects such as bridges, tunnels, and retaining walls. Precast concrete components can be designed to meet specific load-bearing requirements.

According to Rethinking the Future, the Mumbai coastal road project in India will be a new 8-lane, 29.2-kilometer-long coastal road that will run along Mumbai's western coast. Several tunnels and bridges, including a 3.6-kilometer-long sea link, are being built as part of the project. The project is scheduled to be finished in 2023. The Indian government has approved a high-speed rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai that will span 508 kilometres. 

However, loss of workability as a result of rapid slump loss find a challenge in the superplasticizers market during the forecast period. Slump loss is the gradual loss of concrete workability caused by a variety of reasons such as evaporation, absorption, or chemical reaction. Superplasticizers are designed to provide concrete a longer workability time, allowing it to be poured, laid, and finished more readily. To avoid quick slump loss in superplasticizers, it is critical to select the appropriate superplasticizer type and dosage for the given mix design and ambient circumstances. It is also critical to ensure that the concrete is adequately cured and protected from environmental factors that can cause quick slump loss.

Preventing rapid slump loss involves using different types of superplasticizers and using retarders or other admixtures to slow down the hydration process and prolong the workability of the concrete. Proper mixing and handling of the concrete can help prevent slump loss and ensure consistent performance.

The major players operating in the global superplasticizers market include Arkema, BASF SE, Beijing Dongke United Technologies Co.,Ltd, CHRYSO, Enaspol a.s., GCP Applied Technologies Inc., MAPEI, Rhein-Chemotechnik GmbH, Sika AG, and Tripolarcon Pvt Ltd.

Key findings of the study

• By form, the liquid segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market in 2021 with the CAGR of 7.3%.
• By type, the polycarboxylate derivatives segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market, in 2021, with a CAGR of 7.5%.
• By application, the ready-mix concrete segment was the highest revenue contributor to the market, in 2021, with a CAGR of 7.5%
• By region, Asia-Pacific and North America are expected to witness considerable CAGRs of 7.4% and 7.2%, respectively, during the forecast period.