Superplasticizer

Superplasticizers, also known as high range water reducers, are chemical admixtures used where well-dispersed particle suspension is required. These polymers are used as dispersants to avoid particle segregation(gravel,coarse and fine sands), and to improve the flow characteristics (rheology) of suspensions such as in concrete applications. Their addition to concrete or mortar allows the reduction of the water to cement ratio, not affecting the workability of the mixture, and enables the production of self-consolidating concrete and high performance concrete.This effect drastically improves the performance of the hardening fresh paste. The strength of concrete increases when the water to cement ratio decreases. However, their working mechanisms lack a full understanding, revealing in certain cases cement-superplasticizer incompatibilities. The addition of superplasticizer in the truck during transit is a fairly new development within the industry. Admixtures added in transit through automated slump management systems, such as Verifi, allows concrete producers to maintain slump until discharge without reducing concrete quality.