Water reducers are chemical compounds added to concrete to reduce the amount of water needed while maintaining workability. They can increase strength, reduce porosity, and improve finish. Common types include lignosulfonates, synthetic sulfonates, melamine, and polycarboxylates. Water reducers are also called plasticizers and act as surfactants. They are divided into regular, mid-range, and high-end categories depending on the amount of water reduction. The type used depends on the intended use and other factors such as temperature and required finish.
A water reducer is a chemical compound added to concrete before or after it has been mixed to make concrete using less water while maintaining the material’s workability, meaning it doesn’t harden or set too quickly or too slowly. Depending on the type of water reducer used, it can help reduce the amount of water needed to make the concrete by 5-40%. Some benefits of using water reducers are increased strength of the cured concrete, less porous concrete that is also less permeable to water, and often a better finish as well. A water reducer can be described as a chemical retardant, because it slows down the chemical reaction that causes concrete to harden. Commonly used water reducers include lignosulfonates, a by-product of pulp production, synthetic sulfonates, melamine and polycarboxylates.
Concrete is a building material made up of the basic ingredients cement, aggregate material made up of various types of sand and gravel, and water. Concrete also often contains various additives, such as water reducers, which are ingredients added to affect concrete properties, such as water content, setting time, and color. It is estimated that 70-90% of all concrete mixes used today contain a water reducer. A water reducer is also sometimes called a plasticizer, because it affects the plasticity of the concrete mix, making it more workable with less water added.
A water reducer used as an additive in concrete acts as a surfactant, making it more difficult for cement particles in the concrete mix to adhere. Water reducers are usually divided into three groups. Regular or low-end water reducers can reduce the amount of water needed for a given concrete mix by 5%. Mid-range water reducers can reduce the amount of water used by 15% and can also help keep concrete setting time more stable by offering more control over the speed or slow drying of the concrete. A high-end water reducer, also called a superplasticizer, can allow you to use 40% less water while still allowing for a workable mix of concrete.
The type of water reducer that is added to the concrete depends on the use of the concrete. For example, different properties are required when pouring tall concrete columns than when making a concrete floor. Other factors such as the temperature in which the concrete is made and the required finish can also influence the choice of water reducers.
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