May 12 2014
Growth in vertical construction activities coupled with increasing penetration of ready-mix, precast and pre-stressed concrete to drive superplasticizers market in India over the next five years.
Concrete is one of the most essential construction materials for any type of construction project, and helps in achieving the essential strength and durability of the final structure. The composite nature of the concrete comprises sand, aggregate, binder, water and admixtures, with admixtures playing a vital role in achieving the desired concrete mix offering enhanced strength, binding, flowability and workability characteristics. Use of superplasticizers and hyperplasticizers is growing as they reduce water cement ratio by as much as 40%, while improving strength and workability of concrete.
According to a recently published TechSci Research report, "India Naphthalene and PCE based Admixtures Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2019", the Indian admixtures market revenues are projected to grow at a CAGR of around 12% during 2014-19. Currently, BASF India, Sika India and Fosroc Chemicals account for more than 60% of the market share in India's admixtures market.
The report highlights that over the last three decades, the share of concrete as a structural material in building construction has significantly increased. The growth of vertical construction in India is positively impacting the demand for ready-mix concrete and superplasticizers. In 2012, ready-mix concrete accounted for around 7% share of the overall concrete market in India. The market share of ready-mix concrete is expected to further increase on account of anticipated average annual growth of 20% in ready-mix concrete consumption over the next five years.
Superplasticizers are generally chloride free, which makes them appropriate for pre-stressed concrete. The reason being, chloride accelerates the oxidation reaction in metals, which results in corrosion, thereby affecting the structural strength. Growing concrete consumption in India, coupled with increasing use of superplasticizers, is expected to positively impact naphthalene and PCE based admixtures market in the country.
"The Indian admixtures market is dominated by naphthalene based admixtures on account of their cost-effectiveness compared to PCE based admixtures as well as improved workability in comparison with lignosulphonates. By 2019, PCE based admixtures are expected to gain more ground due to increasing product innovation in terms of developing low cost PCE based admixtures, rising naphthalene prices and growing need for faster vertical construction activities in the country", said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm.