
DRY CAST ADMIXTURES
Efflorescence control admixtures are designed to minimize the white chalky deposition (calcium carbonate) caused by calcium hydroxide released during the hydration process. Krete efflorescence control admixtures offer various performance levels and technologies to control both primary and secondary efflorescence.
Freeze-thaw durability admixtures are used in concrete where extreme seasonal temperature differences are common. As water freezes it results in ice expansion at pressures exceeding 114,000 psi which destroys the concrete in a localized area. As this ice melts, a larger void is left behind where the cycle can repeat itself ultimately resulting in the complete failure of the concrete.
Freeze-thaw durability admixtures encompass the performance properties of air entraining admixtures and water repellent admixtures. The water repellent component attempts to prevent diffusion of the water into the concrete so that ice formation cannot occur within the concrete structure. The micro bubble formation provided by air entrainment admixtures provides a void where, in theory, if water penetrates the concrete ice can form without destroying the concrete.
Plasticizers (also commonly referred to as surfactants) are designed to "wet out" the constituents in concrete and improve the workability or flowability of the concrete, resulting in improved densities and productivity, i.e. faster mold or machine fill times. In zero-slump concrete products, plasticizers allow an increase in water usage resulting in greater cement efficiency.
Set or cure accelerators shorten the set time of concrete, allowing for higher green strength and improved cold-weather curing. Set accelerators work by solvating the Calcium ions in cement making them more reactive and available for hydration.
Water repellent admixtures are designed to provide integral water repellency to concrete by affecting the capillary action of water into or out of the concrete. Water diffuses through micro voids and canals, typically found at the cement-aggregate interface. Water repellent admixtures can perform as static pore pluggers, creating a more difficult pathway for water migration, or they can perform as reactive chemicals, forming “insitu” hydrophobic materials that not only plug pores, but also chemically repel water.
Mortar admixtures are specifically designed for concrete mortar and masonry building applications. Typically based on a wide range of chemistries, mortar admixtures can offer improved intrinsic workability, masonry bonding, and efflorescence control/water repellency.
Krete offers a number of sundry products including a color enhancing sealer, macro foam control agent, set retarder, flexural strength enhancer, and corrosion-inhibitive rack coating to assist you in these specific product requirements.