GREVEN INSIGHTS Construction: R&D and Application Technology
Additives for the construction sector, primarily used as hydrophobing agents, have long been a central part of our portfolio. Over the years, our LIGAPHOB® product line has been developed and refined, now encompassing a wide range of metal soaps, alkaline soaps, combination products, dispersions and liquids. The development of new products and the continuous optimization of existing ones to provide suitable solutions for every application can sometimes be quite complex.
During the development or optimization process, a product undergoes various phases. Often, the trigger is a new idea that arises from discussions with our customers and is then internally discussed and evaluated by our R&D and product management teams. As a next step, laboratory syntheses are carried out, based on which a formulation is developed. If all relevant analytical parameters of a product synthesized in the lab are satisfactory, production is carried out in our pilot plant.
Our pilot plant is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and replicates nearly all processes of our plant at a scale of 20 - 100 kg. Special attention has been given to the selection of specific types of equipment and techniques to ensure efficient and trouble-free scaling to the production facilities, as well as to conduct meaningful tests with the products in our application technology lab. For the production of metal and alkaline soaps in the pilot plant, for example, we have a special horizontal mixer and an appropriate mill. The products produced and milled in this way compare very well with those from production.
Finally, the pilot plant products undergo thorough laboratory and application testing. In addition to analysing the product itself, relevant metrics for construction materials are also assessed. Among other things, we measure:
- Air void content of fresh mortars
- Bulk density of fresh mortars
- Spread and flow measurements
- Setting times of cements using ultrasonic measurements
- Various water absorption tests
Furthermore, tests are conducted to check the long-term effects by producing special test specimens and subjecting them to outdoor weathering. They remain there for several years to observe the additive's durability in the building material over time.
We often collaborate with our customers to test specific building materials with our additives, conduct joint outdoor weathering tests or realise research projects.
The entire process ensures that we can offer high-quality and customized products while maximising the benefits of our development and application technology resources for our customers.
