Ultrazine caF performance in gypsum board production - compared to PNS

Laboratory testing demontrates how Ultrazine CAF performs in gypsum board production compared with a PNS fluidiser (industry grade from Europe). 

The results show that Ultrazine CAF delivers performance comparable to PNS and is well suited when switching away from PNS to a more sustainable alternative.

Flow performance 
 

The test results show that Ultrazine CAF provides similar slurry flow to PNS across all tested dosages.

For both stucco qualities:

  • flow increases with dosage

  • Ultrazine CAF and PNS are in the same range

  • performance is consistent across both stucco qualities

This  means that Ultrazine CAF can deliver the flow and water reduction needed for gypsum board production.

final set time



F
inal set time is important for process control and board quality. The results show that:

  • Ultrazine CAF provides similar setting behaviour to PNS

  • differences are small and within a range that can be handled in production

This shows that changing to lignin‑based fluidisers does not require major changes in process timing, when properly tested and adjusted.

Test conditions

The results above are based on laboratory testing under controlled conditions:

Parameter Description
Stucco Two qualities commonly used in European gypsum board production
W/G ratio 0.65
Fluidisers tested Ultrazine CAF and PNS fluidiser (industry grade, Europe)
Test parameters Flow and final set time (thumb method)
Dosages 0.0 (control), 0.20 and 0.30% sbwg
Temperature 20 ± 2 °C
Other additives None

 

What this means in practice

The results confirm that Ultrazine CAF can provide performance similar to PNS in gypsum board production.
This means that lignin‑based fluidisers can:

  • deliver the required flow and water reduction

  • provide stable and predictable setting

  • perform across different gypsum qualities

     

This supports a step‑by‑step replacement of PNS, while maintaining stable production and consistent board quality.

 

Next step: evaluation under your conditions

Laboratory results are a good starting point, but performance will also depend on:

  • gypsum type (natural, synthetic, recycled)

  • formulation and additives

  • process conditions

Borregaard supports customers in testing lignin‑based fluidisers under their own production conditions.

Contact us to learn more or request a sample for testing