Use of Water Reducers, Retarders, and Superplasticizer
The use of WRA is defined as Type A in ASTM C 494. WRA affects mainly the fresh properties of concrete by reducing the amount of water used by 5% to 12% while maintaining a certain level of consistency, measured by the slump as prescribed in ASTM C 143-90. The use of WRA may accelerate or retard the initial setting time of concrete.
Superplasticizer
Superplasticizer. Superplasticizers ( SPs ), also known as high range water reducers, are additives used in making high strength concrete. Plasticizers are chemical compounds that enable the production of concrete with approximately 15% less water content. Superplasticizers allow reduction in water content by 30% or more.
Types Of Plasticizers In Concrete | How Do Plasticizers Work
The second generation: Plasticizers 2.0: This type of plasticizer can significantly lessen the water-to-cement ratio of around 25%. Polysulfonates like naphthalene and melamine offer same type of working mechanism to the first generation of plasticizers, producing an electrical dispersing albeit of superior intensity.
What are Plasticizers in Concrete? (2025)
Plasticizers are substances that are added to concrete to reduce the amount of water needed for proper mixing and workability. This allows for the production of concrete with higher strength, as the water-cement ratio (w/c) is inversely proportional to the strength of the concrete. Plasticizers, also known as high range water reducers, are
What Are Plasticizers? | Plasticizers in Plastic Manufacturing
Plasticizers work in a similar way, and without them, the material would be hard, rigid, and more difficult to shape. Four Families of Plasticizers. Over 30,000 substances have been tested for use as a polymer plasticizer, though today, only about 50 are available for use. Of these, they are divided into four families:
- How do Plasticizers make concrete stronger and last longer?
- Plasticizers make concrete stronger and last longer by reducing the amount of water and cement needed to reach a certain level of workability. Since the heat of hydration of mass concrete goes down when the cement weight goes down, plasticizers can do this. Plasticizers and water reducers are chemical admixtures used to make concrete more workable.
- How do plasticizers and water reducers affect concrete strength?
- Since the heat of hydration of mass concrete goes down when the cement weight goes down, plasticizers can do this. Plasticizers and water reducers are chemical admixtures used to make concrete more workable. Unless the mixture is “starved” of water, increasing the w/c ratio reduces the concrete’s strength.
- What is the use of plasticizers in concrete?
- The reduction in water/cement ratio increases the strength and improves durability of the concrete. Sometimes plasticizers are used to reduce the cement content and heat of hydration in mass concrete. Generally following materials are used as plasticizers: 1.
- What are plasticizers & water reducers?
- Plasticizers and water reducers are chemical admixtures used to make concrete more workable. Unless the mixture is “starved” of water, increasing the w/c ratio reduces the concrete’s strength. An increase in durability is achieved by decreasing the water content (without “starving” the concrete).
- What makes a good plasticizer?
- A good plasticizer makes concrete or mortar flow in a way that is different from how an air-entraining agent does it. But some plasticizers also add air to the material, making it easier to work. A good plasticizer should add 1% to 2% of the air to concrete at most because adding air to concrete makes it less strong.
- What is the difference between water reducing and superplasticizer?
- Water-reducing plasticizers reduce the amount of water needed in the concrete mix, while superplasticizers can increase the workability of the concrete without increasing the water content. Retarding plasticizers slows down the setting time of the concrete, which can be useful in hot or dry weather conditions.
