Plasticizers are substances, compositions and compounds that increase the plasticity or elasticity of the material, and to facilitate its further exploitation. Additionally, in industry there are surface-active additives and components, which are introduced into the concrete, are added to the solutions and mixtures. They are designed exclusively for lowering the water content and facilitate the work of builders in the process of laying concrete, floor screed with plasticizers, etc.

Artificial chemical additives-modifiers is a powder-like materials or sticky substances that interact with water to form a neutral or slightly alkaline solutions. It can be organic complexes, organic compounds, pure inorganic substances, or mixtures thereof. To be plasticizers for concrete especially, and can be a byproduct of other industries. As a rule, organic chemical additives are products of organic synthesis cellulose compounds, refining, pulp and paper, petrochemical, chemical industry, waste, agricultural chemistry, wood chemistry etc. the Most common representatives of the plasticizers are surfactants (surface active agents). Activity and the direction of action of the surfactants expressed in different ways. However, the most effective type of surfactants is the superplasticizers.

Properties

To date, the construction uses a huge amount of plasticizing components. This diversity is due to the fact that every single technological process needs to be regulated or change the properties of mortars (concrete can be used as commercial, light, heavy, decorative, etc.).

Through the use of plasticizers in the manufacturing process of concrete can achieve the following results:

the standard ratio of water and cement to increase the fluidity of the solution;

reducing the consumption of the working mixture, reduce the cost of construction works;

to increase the adhesion of the mortar properties (adhesion to the surface of the working material);

to improve the gas impermeability and water resistance of the composition;

to reduce the freezing point of concrete in a solution of water and also to accelerate the strength in the winter.

In modern construction the most popular plasticizers for concrete, which, when mixed with other substances form ideal solutions, enhance the elasticity of concrete. The amount of added plasticizer depends on the polymer and the mass of cement. In the private construction applies not only when working with mortar, but is used when the device warm floor, pavement, self-leveling floors, pouring the Foundation.

Classification

All adhesives can be divided into several types.

Superplasticizers provide the mobility of the concrete mixture and increase the water resistance, the density and strength of concrete, reduce the consumption of cement in compliance with the required concrete strength.

Supplements that regulate the preservation of the mobility of the concrete mix, is indispensable in the hot season, and, if necessary, the transportation of the concrete mix.

Boosters strength – increase brand strength of concrete, increase the speed of curing (1-3 days).

Modifiers of concrete, with these concrete additives based on the use of cement grade 500, gaining strength class up to B 80. These softeners differ low permeability, high corrosion resistance, frost resistance and durability, while maintaining high mobility of the concrete mix.

Additive with antifreeze effect – allow you to perform concrete works in winter (15o C – 25o C below zero).

Additives for self-compacting concrete – allow to effectively solve problems of concrete pouring high-density reinforcement of thin-walled structures.

Integrated supplements – had a multiplier effect on the concrete mixture.

Thanks to our comprehensive additives manufacturers concrete rid of having to search multiple components to achieve the required properties. After all, it is very important that the components of peacefully "coexisted" in a mixture and are not joined among themselves in adverse reactions.

The use of plasticizers

All modern enterprises oriented to production of concrete mixtures in their work is required to use the plasticizers. And this is natural, since their use is economically sound and justified. Chemical additives contribute to the fluidity of the concrete without the use of a liquid, increase flexibility, give a solution of high performance waterproofing and frost.

Even more pressing issue for modern construction is the use of superplasticizers. In fact, it's the same plasticizer only in the advanced version. Such additives to the concrete can save up to 15% of cement, while retaining the necessary mobility of the concrete.

By using superplasticizers it is possible to fill high-density reinforcement structures (columns, shuttering). In the process of construction of modern residential buildings plasticizers in order to avoid significant shrinkage of the building in a couple of years after commissioning.