Sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensate (SNF) also called polynaphthalene sulphonate (PNS) is derived from the chemical industry. Petroleum or coal tar naphthalene is sulphonated using very concentrated sulphuric acid at high temperature and is then polymerized with formaldehyde and neutralized to the sodium (Na) or calcium (Ca) salt. The polymers are of relatively low molecular weight

The sulfonic acid groups are responsible for neutralizing the surface charges on the cement particles and causing dispersion, thus releasing the water tied up in the cement particle agglomerations and thereafter reducing the viscosity of the paste and concrete.

Electrostatic dispersion is the main mechanism in lignosulphonates and in SNF/SMF superplasticizers. These molecules all carry–SO3Na groups, which in water dissociate into –SO3− and Na+. The –SO3− remains attached to the admixture and carries a strong negative charge. Part of this charge is used to attach the admixture to the cement but the remainder orientates out from the grain and repels the negative charges on admixture adsorbed onto adjacent cement grains, causing them to move and stay apart.

Depending on the type of binders, ambient temperature, dosage of admixture Sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde condensates (SNF) typically give 16–25% + water reduction and offers  a slump life with pumpable consistency  upto 3 hours