All Water reducer PCE based on polycarboxylate have the same problems. These admixtures can, by their nature, create undesirable volumetric air entrainment in the concrete—air that is not needed to provide freeze and thaw resistance.
The trick is to limit the ability of the admixtures to create additional air volumes and still allow admixtures that cause air entrainment in the concrete to create the desired structure with air voids. Products currently on the market are capable of providing this effect.
Polycarboxylate additive is a plasticizing additive, but improved. With the use of this additive, concrete is more durable. The formation of micropores with air in concrete and mortar is much less than with the usual method of mixing. The strength of the product increases by 14% – 18%.
Physically, this additive is a comb copolymer. Its molecular weight is (15-50) × 10 3.
The additive consists of carboxylate and alkoxyoligoalkylene oxide groups. The structure resembles a “wave crest”. It can also be called a Water reducer PCE, of the highest quality.
The use of this additive allows concrete or mortar not to spread. During storage, the finished product will not shrink. Stratification, when the heavy components of sand and gravel fall into the lower part of the solution, and water and cement rise into its upper part, will not occur.
The economic effect of using a polycarboxylate additive is to reduce the amount of cement required for the production of mixtures. Using the right dosage, you can get a product of high strength at the output.
