What is a plasticizer for paving slabs and how to replace it

Plasticizers are a possibility if you’ve ever wondered how to make paving slabs more manageable and long-lasting. Concrete is greatly enhanced by these additives, which also make the material more flexible and less prone to cracking. However, what precisely are plasticizers, and what makes them so crucial?

Chemicals called plasticizers are added to concrete to improve workability. They make the mixture easier to handle and distribute by lowering the amount of water required to reach the appropriate consistency. This helps to achieve a smooth and even finish, which is especially helpful when creating paving slabs. Plasticizers, however, can be expensive or unavailable at times.

Thankfully, there are some efficient substitutes for store-bought plasticizers. Occasionally, natural additives and common household items can act as stand-ins, providing a less expensive or environmentally friendly choice. This post will explain plasticizers, their function in the concrete mix, and how to substitute them with easily accessible materials.

Plasticizers are additives used in the manufacturing of paving slabs that increase the concrete mix’s fluidity and handleability, thereby improving the slabs’ strength and workability. If you want to substitute a plasticizer in your concrete mix, you can use substitutes like superplasticizers, which have improved performance along with comparable benefits. You can also look into natural alternatives like specific kinds of plant-based oils, which have comparable effects. By being aware of these options, you may potentially save money while preserving the strength and quality of your paving slabs.

Properties of plasticizers why they are needed

In the process of forming blocks, you will discover that if you use regular cement-sand mortar for paving slabs, it will not adhere well enough to allow for any form to be given. However, even if you fill the form with liquid cement, the masonry material will not dry into a flat plate.

All of this is the result of the material’s weakness, which is why some choose to reinforce it with crushed stone. Such a filler will, however, weaken the mixture’s plasticity and cause it to disperse unevenly within the matrix. Water can be used to increase elasticity, but in this instance, the final product will be less resistant to frost.

Adding a plasticizer to the mixture will significantly enhance the final product’s qualities:

  • The solution will be more “mobile” and homogeneous, but it will require less water. Thanks to this, the strength, density and frost resistance of the suspension will increase.
  • The strength characteristics of the tile will increase.
  • The surface of the finished product will be smooth, without holes, craters and chips. At the same time, you can easily remove the finished product from the blank form.
  • Flowers (white solutions) will not form on the surface of the tile, and the pigment will not be washed out.

The pavement will not crack and will be able to withstand winter frosts if plasticizer is applied.

Depending on their basis, plasticizers can be categorized into multiple groups:

  • DOA – dioctyl adipate;
  • 3G8 – triethylene glycol dioctate;
  • DUO 1 / DUO 2 – complex structure plasticizers;
  • TOTM – trioctyl trimethylate.
  • DOP – dioctyl phthalate;
  • GPO – diethylhexyl phthalate;
  • DINP – diisononyl phthalate.

These elements respond to various circumstances in different ways.

These days, plasticizing additives are offered in liquid and powder forms for purchase. Lime or detergents can also be used to create an additive.

Using ready-made plasticizers

Plasticizers come in a variety of forms these days, all available at construction stores. You shouldn’t compare them solely based on price because there are now high-quality additives available at affordable prices, such as:

  • Planicrete (Mapei), latex additive for cement mortar, cost from 4,500 rubles per 10 l.
  • Litokol Latexkol-M, a latex additive developed for tile adhesive, is also an excellent additive for independent production of artificial stone. Costs about 5,500 rubles per canister.
  • KBS C3, a plasticizer that increases the fluidity of building mixtures. Will cost 450 rubles for 10 liters.

The following is the technology for manufacturing goods on-site utilizing a plasticizer for paving slabs:

  1. The mold for the tile is treated with a specialized lubricant, 6-8% hydrochloric acid solution or a solution of machine oil and water (1:3).
  2. Warm water is added to the plasticizer strictly in the proportion indicated on the packaging. For example, to dilute 1 liter of the plasticizing additive KBS C3, you will need 2 liters of water. The resulting mixture must be stirred with a construction mixer for 15 minutes.
  3. Mix 2 buckets of cement and the same amount of filler, after which the resulting mixture is sent to a concrete mixer.
  4. In a bucket, mix the diluted plasticizer (1 liter) and diluted dye.
  5. 4 liters of water are added to the resulting mixture.
  6. All components are thoroughly mixed in a concrete mixer until a homogeneous mass is obtained.
  7. The solution is poured into molds, it remains only to wait for the products to harden completely.

In order to enhance the qualities of the mixture, it is advised to incorporate several handfuls of fiber.

Portland cement grade M 500 is the best to use when making tiles, but it should never be used below M 300.

Additionally, there is a general "recipe" for making 4.5 cm thick tiles that are resistant to frost. The following ratios are used to combine the ingredients:

  • 22 kg PC 400;
  • 54 kg crushed stone;
  • 19 kg sifted sand;
  • 9 l water;
  • 110 g plasticizing additives.

If preferred, the plasticizer can be created using unconventional methods.

We make the plasticizer ourselves

Frequently employed as a plasticizer are the following:

  • foaming agent;
  • tile adhesive or PVA;
  • dishwashing detergent, shampoo, laundry soap or powder;
  • slaked lime.

Many prefer detergents because getting a foaming agent is difficult and requires purchasing glue. It is necessary to compute the volume of such an additive using the amounts of filler, sand, and cement.

It will be sufficient to add a glass of liquid soap or powder that has been diluted in a small amount of water to the mixture, for instance, if you are using a bag of cement and expanded clay for mixing. This ingredient makes the solution harden in three hours, making it simple to spread over the mold.

If you are creating a plasticizer by hand for paving slabs, be sure to incorporate the soap into the mixture prior to pouring. The mixture won’t have the required qualities if expanded clay or any other filler absorbs the soap solution. Soap is also a great lubricant, so you can use it to treat the tile mold as well.

To give the composition stickiness and elasticity, fluff, or slaked lime, is added to the cement mortar in addition to soap. Additionally, you will be able to make tiles with an even and smooth surface because of this component.

In the event that you choose to make your own plasticizer, you will need to "on the spot" calculate the cement to additive ratio. Consequently, start by making a few small batches with varying addition amounts and choose the composition that will form more readily.

Plasticizer for Paving Slabs A plasticizer is an additive used in concrete to enhance its workability, making it easier to pour and shape. It improves the flow of the mix without adding extra water, which helps maintain the strength of the concrete.
How to Replace Plasticizer If you need to replace a plasticizer, consider using alternatives like superplasticizers or natural additives such as sugar or honey. These substitutes can help achieve similar results, but be sure to test them to ensure they meet your specific needs.

Selecting the appropriate plasticizer for paving slabs can have a significant impact on the project’s longevity and quality. These additions make the concrete more workable, which facilitates handling and shaping. If you do find yourself in need of replacing a plasticizer, there are good substitutes out there.

For example, natural substitutes such as molasses or honey can also help to improve the consistency and flow of the mixture. Optimizing the mix design with additional materials such as slag or fly ash can also improve the performance of your paving slabs. Every option has benefits of its own, so try a few different ones until you find the one that best suits your requirements.

All things considered, gaining an understanding of plasticizers and looking into appropriate substitutes can help you get the most out of your paving projects. You can guarantee robust, long-lasting slabs that live up to your expectations if you take the proper approach.

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Marina Petrova

Candidate of Technical Sciences and teacher of the Faculty of Construction. In my articles, I talk about the latest scientific discoveries and innovations in the field of cement and concrete technologies.

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