Efficiency of using a concrete plasticizer

A concrete plasticizer plays an important role when working with concrete. Simply put, plasticizers are chemical substances designed to improve the properties of a concrete mixture. Plasticizers improve all properties of concrete, including frost resistance, fluidity, and waterproofing. Concrete becomes stronger, more intact, and lasts much longer. Moreover, plasticizers make it possible to perform various works with a concrete mixture (concrete) even underwater. In this article, we will look at what types of concrete plasticizers exist, the proportions of plasticizer for concrete, and also learn about the composition of concrete plasticizers.

Effect of Using a Concrete Plasticizer

Plasticizers for concrete were invented relatively recently. Previously, in order to strengthen concrete, people added chicken egg protein to the mixture, and sometimes slaked lime could be used. Such additives enhanced adhesion and gave plasticity to the mortar.

As you know, the main requirement for concrete mortar is the highest possible quality. After all, the final result depends on the composition of the mortar; if bad components are chosen for the mixture, voids and microcracks may form in the concrete product. To avoid this, a plasticizer should be used. These chemicals increase the fluidity of the mixture without the need to increase the proportions of water and cement. The consumption of plasticizer for concrete depends on the initial mass of the mortar.

Types of Plasticizer for Concrete

Today, all plasticizers can be divided into several groups. The first group includes superplasticizers. These additives are able to increase the mobility of the mixture. Moreover, when they are used, waterproof properties are improved. A superplasticizer makes it possible to reduce the amount of cement used in the composition, while strength, on the contrary, increases. The second group is plasticizers for rapid hardening. Most importantly, they are used in hot periods of time, especially since the concrete ultimately withstands air temperature fluctuations resiliently. By the way, regarding strength, compared to a mixture without a superplasticizer, concrete hardens faster (requiring a maximum of three days).

The third group is additives that make it possible to bring the strength of concrete up to class B80, using grade 500 cement. In this case, the concrete acquires low permeability. Resistance to corrosion and temperature extremes increases, and the final concrete product lasts longer.

There are many other different options for plasticizer. You should first determine which functions you need to enhance and, based on this, choose the class of plasticizer.

Most often, plasticizers are used by large construction companies, since then the concrete mixture does not stick to the equipment, and accordingly, increases the service life of all machinery.

If you don't know which plasticizer for concrete to buy or want to find out what additives for concrete there are, you can go to the catalog and read more in detail.