Use of Water Reducers, Retarders, and Superplasticizer
The use of superplasticizers may produce high strength concrete (compressive strength up to 22,000 psi). Superplasticizers can also be utilized in producing flowing concrete used in a heavy reinforced structure with inaccessible areas. Requirement for producing flowing concrete is defined in ASTM C 1017.
Superplasticizer
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. These additives are employed at the level of a few weight percent. Plasticizers and superplasticizers retard the curing of concrete. [1]
Concrete Superplasticizer | Supercizer 1 | Fritz-Pak
Supercizer 1 is a standard concrete superplasticizer that provides up to 20% water reduction and 6 inches of slump enhancement. This product does not contain chlorides or other corrosive materials and comes packaged in our signature water-soluble bags for easy addition at the job site. Learn More about Using a Concrete Superplasticizer
What are Plasticizers in Concrete? (2025)
Both types of plasticizers are used to improve the workability of concrete, but they do so in different ways. Hydrophilic plasticizers work by increasing the wetting of the concrete mixture, while hydrophobizing plasticizers work by introducing air into the mixture. Uses Of Plasticizers In Concrete
Types Of Plasticizers In Concrete | How Do Plasticizers Work
Plasticizers and super-plasticizers provide a temporary dispersing effect, that produces a comprehensive hydration of each cement particle, making the fluidity of the mix better. This mix is amalgamated with volcanic fly ash to form the type of hydraulic concrete, a fully hardy and weatherproof material along with extremely erosive salt water.
- Why are plasticizers used in concrete?
- Chemical substances called plasticizers, sometimes referred to as water reducers, are mixed into concrete to increase workability without weakening it. They aid in lowering the water content of the mixture, which is necessary to preserve the appropriate strength of the concrete.
- 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 work?
- Plasticizers contain polymer molecules that, when added to concrete, adhere to the surface of cement grains, forming ionic groups. This process results in cement particles acquiring a negative charge, causing them to repel each other. As a result, the concrete paste becomes smoother and more user-friendly.
- 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 a hydrophobizing plasticizer?
- Hydrophobizing Plasticizer : Increases air content in the mix, making the concrete more flexible. Plasticizers serve multiple purposes, including making concrete more flexible, reducing film cracking, enhancing workability, and lowering water content. Shape alteration without additional water. Increased concrete strength.
- What is a plasticizer in construction?
- Plasticizers are an indispensable part of large-scale construction projects as well as small-scale do-it-yourself tasks because they lower the water content of concrete while simultaneously improving its overall strength and durability. The term "plasticizer" in construction is widely known. Regretfully, not everybody is aware of what it is.
