Plasticizer for concrete: types, purpose, properties

A basic building material for everything from sidewalks to skyscrapers is concrete. It is essential in construction due to its durability and versatility. But finding the ideal concrete mix can be difficult, particularly when certain performance requirements apply. Here’s where plasticizers are useful.

Additives called plasticizers improve the characteristics of concrete, making it easier to work with and performing better overall. Concrete can be made more fluid without using more water by adding plasticizers, which preserves the material’s strength and longevity.

Plasticizers come in a variety of forms, each intended for a particular use. Some are more workable, some have less water content, and some have more strength. Selecting the appropriate plasticizer for your project can be made easier if you are aware of these kinds and their characteristics.

We will examine the various kinds of plasticizers, their uses, and their characteristics in this post. Whether you’re a novice do-it-yourselfer or a seasoned builder, this information will assist you in making wise choices regarding the use of plasticizers in your concrete mixtures.

Plasticizing additives: types, properties, characteristics

Artificial special chemical additives for plasticizers can be powdered materials or liquid viscous suspensions that react with water in the mixture to form slightly alkaline or neutral solutions.

For what purpose is it used?

The primary goal is to improve the composition’s performance attributes, like: while simultaneously making it more flexible.

• water resistance;
• frost resistance;
• wear resistance;
• resistance to chemical influences;
• high temperature resistance.

In fact, this list can be continued.To. There are a lot of plasticizers. And depending on the technological requirements for the material, you can individually choose a set of additives, which will ultimately improve this or that property without affecting strength and without violating the economic calculations of the finished product.

By-products of organic synthesis from the chemical, pulp and paper, petrochemical, and other industries are typically included in the composition.

This video will teach you more about plasticizers.

The main types of materials and their properties

Superplasticizers are among the most widely used and well-liked kinds of modifying additives. This composition thinner works well, enabling multiple increases in the mobility of the solution without compromising its strength under the same conditions.

The composition can be divided into multiple volumetric categories based on the traits and qualities of the source materials:

• sulphonated melamine-formaldehyde synthetic resins and additives based on them;
• formaldehyde hydrocondensation products and naphthalene sulphonic acids;
• purified (modified) lignosulphonates (LS) and complex additives based on them.

Kindly take note! The amount of water must be increased to improve the mixture’s workability and decreased to increase strength and durability. Utilizing a superplasticizer during composition creation resolves the aforementioned contradiction. It lets you save up to fifteen percent of the cement while keeping the necessary mobility.

Complex-action compositions make up Coral MasterSilk plasticizers. They combine water-repellent, retarding, and plasticizing qualities.

They contribute to strengthening the grade. They offer long-distance transportation with steady mobility and flexibility.

As a result of the estimated amount of cement being reduced, significantly lower the solution’s cost.

• increase strength by 20%;
• reduce water demand by 20%;
• increase mobility and plasticizing properties above the brand specification for up to 2 hours;
• improve waterproofing properties up to W8;
• increase frost resistance to F300;
• increase the durability of structures.

It is advised to use with all kinds and brands. A hyperplasticizer is a different kind of additive that is better suited to contemporary needs.

A hyperplasticizer: what is it? This is a polycarboxylate-based dry or liquid additive. They dissolve fairly easily in liquids and are non-toxic. Three percent of the cement’s total volume is consumed.

Cement and sand particles are grouped around each other to maximize density and prevent the formation of air bubbles.

By using a hyperplasticizer, you can benefit from the following:

• high plasticizing and hydruscent effect with high use;
• allows to obtain frost-resistant material with the possibility of its installation at low temperatures (down to –25°C);
• improves the adhesion of the solution to the reinforcement frame;
• increases the time standards for transportation of the finished solution;
• increases the final strength by an order of magnitude.

Because of its many beneficial properties, the hyperplasticizer can be used as a starting point to create a variety of intricate water-reducing additives.

The physicochemical properties of the material can be greatly impacted by this complex addition, so be sure to carefully read the reagent usage instructions. The product packaging contains usage guidelines and instructions for the plasticizer.

The PSN Series is a complex additive that can be added to any grade of solution to make it stronger both naturally and when heated.

• For mortar mixtures in order to reduce the time of set for the strength of products under the load;
• reinforced concrete products that gain strength under heat treatment conditions in order to save coolant;
• thin-walled structural products to which it is impossible to apply the vibration laying method;
• cellular concrete;
• continuous molded floor slabs.

• reduces water demand;
• increases strength;
• increases mobility;
• significantly reduces the estimated amount of cement;
• increases frost resistance;
• reduces water permeability;
• reduces coolant consumption during heat treatment;
• reduces water loss and increases pumpability;
• increases ductility and reduces the risk of shrinkage cracks.

C3 is a plasticizer with a broad range of action that is very effective.

Suggested for utilization:

• during the construction of all types of structures from materials of strength class B15 or more;
• in the production of various types of products;
• during the construction of structures;
• in the production of all types of products made of porous material;
• in the manufacture of solutions with non-standard fillers;
• in the construction of monolithic structures using prestressing cement and the use of mineral expanding additives-plasticizers;
• in the manufacture of products from heat-resistant heavy concrete on slag Portland cement and aluminous cement.

• obtaining mobile solutions (P4, P5);
• improves homogeneity, cohesion and workability;
• acquiring a water-reducing effect (reducing water use by 25%);
• increasing the mobility rate by 1.5 hours;
• increasing strength properties by 15% or more;
• in equally mobile solutions, with water reduction, increasing the strength characteristics of structures by 30-40%;
• ensuring high indicators for waterproofing products W10 and more;
• corrosion resistance, frost resistance F300 and more;
• increasing the adhesion of the solution to the reinforcement frame by 1.6 times.

An aqueous suspension of C3 at the necessary concentration is added. The consumer chooses the plasticizer’s working concentration based on the additive’s ease of use, conditions of use, and technological requirements. The mineral makeup of the cement and fillers determines how effective the plasticizer is.

Classification of plasticizer additives by purpose

In addition to the complex superplasticizers mentioned above, certain additives are utilized that, depending on their intended use and operational specifications, can address the same issues with respect to a particular class of concrete.

Using sophisticated plasticizing additives based on superplasticizers appears to be a successful method of enhancing the structure and characteristics of cellular concrete production technology. Compared to heavy types, high dispersion of the source materials allows for the most complete implementation of the plasticizing effect.

When plasticizers are added, the mixture’s water-to-solid ratio decreases, accelerating the mixture’s strength growth and slowing the formation of structures. This means that even with a rise in the consumption of aluminum powder, cellular concrete with a density of less than 800 kg/m³ is not achievable.

In these situations, intensifier additives must be added to the mixture in order for the gasification process to proceed successfully. Alkaline solutions or salts of both strong and weak acids can be used as such additives.

For instance, adding a complex additive like C3 (0.75%) + TNF (0.40%) will increase the mixture’s fluidity and reduce the water-solid ratio by 40%, hastening the process of swelling and boosting the product’s plastic strength. Furthermore, decreasing the water-solid ratio of the light mixture modifies the cellular material’s structure, improving its mechanical and physical properties significantly. This includes increased strength, crack resistance, and frost resistance as well as decreased humidity following heat treatment.

Additives are used to improve a structure’s waterproofing properties in addition to making it more plastic. The waterproofing is indicated by the parameter "W" when designing a structure’s foundation. Special plasticizing additives that modify the structure can raise this value.

Plasticizing additives encourage the formation of a crystalline structure during cement hydration, which forms ettringite (primary) when combined with water. Ettringite reduces the amount of time that cement takes to set by filling in gaps and adsorbing on the surface of the cement grains to keep water from getting inside.

The most common applications for waterproofing plasticizing additives are in the construction of dams, pools, and other water reservoirs as well as in the pouring of monolithic foundations in areas where groundwater is present.

Advice to Remember: – Adding any kind of additive lengthens the setting time, which can have an adverse effect on the final strength.

Plasticizers are necessary additions that increase the strength and workability of concrete. They are available in a variety of varieties, each intended to improve a particular attribute like flowability, durability, or setting time. Plasticizers make concrete easier to pour and shape while preserving its structural integrity by lowering the amount of water required in the mix. Knowing the various kinds and uses of plasticizers will help you choose the best one for your project, improving the concrete’s performance and durability.

Type	Description
Superplasticizers	Enhance workability and strength of concrete, reduce water content significantly.
Accelerators	Speed up the setting time of concrete, ideal for cold weather conditions.
Retarders	Slow down the setting process, useful in hot weather to prevent premature hardening.
Air-entraining agents	Introduce tiny air bubbles into the concrete, improving its freeze-thaw resistance.

Comprehending the function of plasticizers in concrete is essential to attaining the intended robustness and longevity in building endeavors. These additives improve concrete’s performance and workability, making it simpler to mix, pour, and finish.

Plasticizers come in a variety of forms, each with a distinct function. There is a plasticizer that works for you, regardless of whether you want the mix to be more fluid or more resistant to cracking. The type you choose can have a big impact on how well your concrete structures turn out.

Plasticizers’ qualities, such as their capacity to reduce water and boost strength, make building methods more effective and economical. By utilizing these additives, you can complete projects faster and with greater longevity while still meeting strict safety requirements.

Adding plasticizers to your concrete mixture is an easy yet effective method to streamline your building procedures. You can make decisions that improve the overall performance of your concrete and result in stronger, more durable structures by being aware of their advantages and applications.

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