Naphthalene is an organic compound with the formula C₁₀H₈. It is the simplest polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and is a white crystalline solid with a characteristic odor that is detectable at concentrations as low as 0.08 ppm by mass. Industrial naphthalene is white or reddish, yellowish flaky crystals, has a unique smell, is volatile and sublimates, and the maximum allowable concentration in the air is 10ppm.

Industrial naphthalene is a critical primary chemical raw material, mainly used in the production of water reducing agents, refined naphthalene, phthalic anhydride, naphthol, naphthylamine, 2,6-dialkyl naphthalene, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, polyethene naphthalate. Chemical products such as glycol ester (PEN) and H acid is raw materials for the production of synthetic fibers, synthetic resins, plasticizers, rubber antioxidants, dye intermediates, pesticides and pharmaceuticals.

Naphthalene-based water reducers are essential additives in the construction industry, known for their ability to enhance concrete workability and strength. However, the price of these water reducers is subject to fluctuation, primarily influenced by the price of industrial naphthalene. In this article, we will explore the correlation between the price of industrial naphthalene and naphthalene-based water reducers, shedding light on the factors that drive their price dynamics.

1. The Role of Industrial Naphthalene

Industrial naphthalene, derived from coal tar or petroleum, serves as the primary raw material for the production of naphthalene-based water reducers. As such, any changes in the price of industrial naphthalene significantly impact the cost of manufacturing these additives. Factors affecting industrial naphthalene prices include the supply and demand dynamics, raw material availability, and global market conditions.

2. Supply and Demand Dynamics

Fluctuations in the supply and demand of industrial naphthalene can directly affect its price. Increased demand, driven by growing construction activities and infrastructure projects, can put upward pressure on prices. Conversely, if the supply of industrial naphthalene is constrained due to production disruptions or limited availability of raw materials, prices may surge.

3. Raw Material Availability

The availability and cost of raw materials required to produce industrial naphthalene, such as coal tar or petroleum, play a crucial role in determining its price. Factors like natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or changes in extraction and refining processes can disrupt the raw material supply chain, leading to price fluctuations.

4. Global Market Conditions

Industrial naphthalene prices are influenced by global market conditions, including economic factors, trade policies, and currency fluctuations. Changes in these factors can impact the cost of importing or exporting industrial naphthalene, thereby influencing the final price of naphthalene-based water reducers.

5. Impact on Water Reducer Prices

The price fluctuations of industrial naphthalene directly affect the cost of manufacturing naphthalene-based water reducers. Manufacturers often adjust their prices to align with the prevailing market rates of industrial naphthalene. As a result, buyers may experience variations in the prices of water reducers depending on the availability and cost of industrial naphthalene.

Downstream Application Fields of Industrial Naphthalene

The fluctuation of the price of naphthalene-based water reducer is consistent with the rise and fall of the price of industrial naphthalene. Through the trend of the price of industrial naphthalene, it can be inferred that it is the rise and fall of the water reducer.

Entering 2020, my country’s industrial naphthalene price has declined rapidly. After the festival, with the outbreak of domestic and foreign epidemics and the sharp drop in crude oil, industrial naphthalene, phthalic anhydride, o-benzene, and plasticizers have all dropped. In March, the price of naphthalene plummeted even more, showing an almost straight-line decline pattern.

In the first half of 2022, the domestic industrial naphthalene market showed a trend of high and wide fluctuations. The price centre of the leading market frequently fluctuated between 4,800-5,600 RMB/mt, and most of the time, the rising market was challenging to last. Due to the particularity of its bidding and pricing, downstream demand is still the dominant factor for the ups and downs of the naphthalene market.

Conclusion:
The price dynamics of naphthalene-based water reducers are intricately linked to the price of industrial naphthalene, their primary raw material. Understanding the factors that drive the price fluctuations of industrial naphthalene helps stakeholders in the construction industry navigate and anticipate changes in the cost of these essential additives. By staying informed about market conditions, buyers and manufacturers can make informed decisions and effectively manage the impact of price fluctuations on their operations.

DEFINITION

ALPHA GYPSUM is a common ingredient for making plaster. Alpha gypsum is made by processing gypsum stone into a fine powder and is well regarded for its strength and low absorptive levels.

DIFFERENCE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

1.Hemihydrate gypsum has two forms: α and β, both of which are rhombic crystals, but their physical properties are different. α-type hemihydrate gypsum has good crystallinity and firmness. β-type hemihydrate gypsum is a flaky and cracked crystal with excellent crystals. Its specific surface area is much larger than that of α-type hemihydrate gypsum. When producing gypsum products, α-type semi-hydrated gypsum requires less water than β-type, and the products have higher compactness and strength.

2. With the continuous progress of hydration, β-type hemihydrate gypsum produces more and more colloidal particles of dihydrate gypsum. These particles are smaller than the original, have a large specific surface area, and absorb a lot of water; they continue to be hydrated and evaporated. Decrease, the consistency of the slurry continues to increase, the adhesion between colloidal particles is gradually strengthened, friction and adhesion between the particles are generated, and the slurry gradually loses its plasticity and gradually condenses.

DIFFERENT PRODUCTION PROCESS

Typically, α-type hemihydrate gypsum, also known as high-strength gypsum, is steamed in a saturated steam medium. The β-type hemihydrate gypsum, which is also construction gypsum, is calcined with a wok or an open device in a rotary kiln.

DIFFERENT USAGE

1. α gypsum powder high-strength gypsum is suitable for high-strength plastering projects, decorative products and gypsum board. It can be used in a high humidity environment after mixed with water repellent. It is made into a non-shrinking adhesive with the organic cementing agent. Organic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride alcohol aqueous solution and polyvinyl acetate emulsion, can be formulated as cementing agents. It is suitable for GRG, DIY plaster products, craft jewellery and various precision mould making.

2.β gypsum powder building is mixed with water and retarder to synthesize gypsum slurry, which can be used as indoor paint. Indoor plastering and stuccoing building gypsum mixed with water, sand and retarder to synthesize gypsum mortar used for indoor plastering. The plastered surface is smooth, delicate, white and beautiful. Gypsum mortar can also be used as a primer for paint, etc., and can be directly painted or pasted on wall coverings or wallpaper.

In terms of upstream silicon metal, the price of silicon metal (441#) showed a sustained bottoming out this week, kindly refer to below image. The overall domestic silicone DMC market rebounded slightly and tended to stabilize.

The National Development and Reform Commission recently announced the completion of the dual control targets for energy consumption in the first half of 2021 by region. Areas (cities) affected by dual control policy means the supply chain cities in red or yellow will require a longer delivery time.

1. The data of Tibet has been acquired and it not included in the early warning range. The ranking is based on the reduction rate of energy consumption intensity in each region.

2. Red is level 1 warning, indicating that the situation is quite severe. Orange is level 2 warning, indicating that the situation is relatively severe. Green is level 3 warning, indicating generally smooth progress.

The dropping temperature in China cause haze weather, the same as last year. Many cities have initiated a Class II emergency response to severely polluted weather that brings a shutdown or staggering production for local factories.

STANDARD WEIGHT IN CHINA

The Chinese gypsum board standard stipulates that the surface density of the corresponding thickness of the gypsum board is: the surface density of the 12mm thickness gypsum board should not be greater than 9.0kg/m2.

REASON ONE: GYPSUM QUALITY

If the quality of the gypsum board is heavy, the main reason is that the gypsum is low. Generally, the calcium sulfate dihydrate content of natural gypsum should be greater than 75%, and the calcium sulfate content of chemical gypsum should be about 90%. There are many impurities in the raw gypsum, mainly if it contains more silica, the quality of the gypsum board will be heavier.

REASON TWO: FOAMING IS NOT SUFFICIENT

Another reason is that the foaming is not sufficient when using the foaming agent. Generally, the foaming effect by stirring is not ideal. Compressed air must be added while stirring, which can produce uniform and tiny pores to reduce the quality of the gypsum board without any decrease in strength. The foaming equipment adopts dynamic foaming systems to achieve better results.

Market research organization Future Market Insights (FMI) estimates that between 2022 and 2030, the compound annual growth rate of all applied gypsum markets in the world will reach 5%. FMI stated that this would be due to the global construction industry’s growth, digitization, and technological advancement. FMI noted that economic activity must first return to “normal” after the Covid-19 outbreak to resume growth.

The research institute Technavio also forecasts the growth of the synthetic gypsum market from 2020 to 2024. It predicts a compound annual growth rate of 4%, and the total growth during this period is US$320 million.

There are 99 different active producers of gypsum wallboard in 2021. The top 10 gypsum wallboard producers in 2021:

1. Knauf ● 3294Mm2/yr
2. BNBM ● 2832Mm2/yr
3. Saint-Gobain ● 3294Mm2/yr
4. National Gypsum ● 794Mm2/yr
5. ETEX Group ● 721Mm2/yr
6. Georgia-Pacific ● 677Mm2/yr
7. Yoshino Gypsum ● 631Mm2/yr
8. American Gypsum ● 300Mm2/yr
9. KCC ● 263Mm2/yr
10. Chiyoda Ute ● 194Mm2/yr

China has recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic in an exceptional manner, so did the gypsum wallboard supply chain.

How many years can silicone oil keep in stock?

Silicone oil, used as a waterproof additive in gypsum board production, is stable chemistry and therefore does not have an official shelf life. In general, the shelf life is a minimum of 12 months when the material is kept in the original container and stored at room ambient temperatures out of direct sunlight. After 12 months, please check them under the following instructions to make sure their quality does not change to continue to apply.

1. No color-changing, silicone oil is purely transparent.
2. No flocculent sediment under the IBC drum bottom.
3. Put a pH paper inside for 48 hours, and pH paper is without color changed.

Adding silicone fluid is efficient to improve the water-resistance of gypsum plasterboard.

As the water repellent agent methyl hydrogen silicone fluid added into the gypsum, the polysiloxane with -Si-O-Si main molecular chain and organic molecular side chain will combine with -OH molecular chain in gypsum raw material, to form a low tension hydrophobic membrane on the surface of gypsum inner porosity.

Organic Chemical Material: Silicone DMC from the year 2019 compared to 2020 in the above chart.

Looking back at the main trend of DMC in 2019, the market is still suppressed first and then increased. The price fluctuations throughout the year were noticeable and soaring, and emergency stops are the norm.

The overall trend of China’s DMC market upward since November 2020
November 9, a small number of manufacturers of DMC provides a quote, and prices continue to increase. Factory inventories are low, and supplies are tight. November 11, most manufacturers do not quote and temporarily stop selling this material in the market.

Overseas market orders to the Chinese market
As a result of the global covid-19 outbreak, India and other overseas textile orders shifted to the Chinese market, China’s increased demand for textiles to promote increased demand for DMC.

Forecast 2021
The DMC market inventory is low, and demand exceeds supply, downstream products for raw material demand are greater. In the short term, China’s DMC market trend will continue to run steadily and may continue to rise.