Polycarboxylates are organic compounds with several carboxylic acid groups.
Often, polycarboxylate refers to linear polymers with a high molecular mass (Mr ≤ 100 000) and with many carboxylate groups.
[2] Their high chelating power, even at low concentrations, reduces deposits on the laundry and inhibits the crystal growth of calcite.
Polycarboxylate ethers (PCE) are used as superplasticizers in concrete production.
In the sewage treatment plant, the polymer remains largely in the sludge and is separated from the wastewater.