Branched specialization take the water reduction capacity of the additives to the limit opened up an enormous range of possibilities in the development of concrete, but also confirmed the progressive loss of robust solutions. (We provide best products for admixture concrete as top Construction companies in Lahore.)
Advanced Superplasticizer Additives
In other words, many of the problems raised solved, but at the same time new limitations reveal that represented new challenges to solve (many of them originating from the new demands related to the sustainability of the construction sector).
The first limitation that evidence was the impact generated in the rheology of the concrete. Basically, caused by the reduction in the volume of paste that allowed the high water-reducing capacity of these additives. This limitation manifested itself in pumping and installation problems due to the high viscosity characteristic of concrete with a lower volume of paste and a low volume ratio between water and fines.
Admixture On the Viscosity of The Concrete
Again, the solution was not to seek an increase in the fluidizing capacity of the additives. This time, the focus was on the impact of the admixture on the viscosity of the concrete. It was in 2014 that presented the range. This is based on branched aryl-phosphate polymers (PAE). That, in short, offer the same benefits as the classic new-generation superplasticizers in terms of water reduction.
Increase Of the Viscosity of The Concrete
But generate a very high impact. Minor in the increase of the viscosity of the concrete. This higher level in the specialization of the admixture did not imply the sacrifice of previous advances. These are specialized admixtures and now available for prepared concrete and for precast concrete.
At the same time, they allowed the manufacture of concrete with viscosities of the order of 30% lower than previously. With this advance, concrete with a low water/cement ratio. And with an optimized cement content could already manufacture, which in turn were perfectly pumpable and easily manageable.
Manufacture More Sustainable Concrete
New trends to manufacture more sustainable concrete have also highlighted certain needs for improvement. Basically, we are referring to the increase in the content of fine limestone in the concrete. Either due to the addition of limestone filler in the plant or due to the increase in limestone in the cement). Which accentuates the loss of premature consistency, and due to the need to use sand with less treatment. (Sands with a high content of fines, sands with clays) (sands with a high content of fines, sands with clays).
In both cases, once again the solution does not require an increase in the fluidizing capacity of the additive, but in matters of compatibility and maintenance of the dispersing effect over time.
Range Of Superplasticizers
Once again, polymer engineering made it possible to develop solutions that are gradually making their way onto the market. It characterized the range of superplasticizers by less sensitivity to the presence of clay in the sand. Which allows the use of less processed sand, with less impact associated environmental.
This range is still in full development (we make great progress, but it cannot yet confirm that there is a solution for each particular casuistry). And it will probably be the pillar on can solve which one of the immediate problems that the sector will have to face.
The Scarcity of Quality Sands
The most recent superplasticizer technology that introduced to the market is the range, dedicated to improving the consistency maintenance of concrete with a high content of fine limestone. With only 3 years of history, its use is clearly growing. In line with the current evolution of cements and especially with the perspective that glimpses the immediate future. The progressive optimization of the expect clinker factor of cements.
Conclusions:
Research in the field of superplasticizer additives continues to advance. With the achievements obtained, many of the challenges that required a solution resolve and new possibilities opened up that were previously unthinkable. But the immediate future poses many challenges where the additive must be a key piece.
For example, the implementation of cements with a lower CO2 footprint, such as LC3 or alkali-activated ones, requires that the limitations of these new cements (insufficient maintenance of consistency, little development of early strength) solve first, and we expect that the development of superplasticizer additive technology is the key to overcoming these limitations.
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