Plasticizers for cement mortars

The quality of your plastering job can be greatly affected by getting the consistency and performance of your cement mortar just right. Plasticizers are one of the main additives that can assist with this. These ingredients are intended to improve the workability and application ease of cement mortar.

In order to achieve a smooth and even finish, plasticizers can be very helpful in enhancing the mortar’s flow and spreading. They function by lowering the quantity of water required in the mixture, which helps to avert drying-out problems like shrinkage and cracking.

This article will discuss the advantages of using plasticizers in cement mortars as well as their various kinds and methods of operation. Understanding how plasticizers can improve your work will help you achieve better results and a more durable finish, regardless of whether you’re a professional plasterer or a do-it-yourselfer.

Why they are added?

The following are the principal benefits of adding surface-active additives to concrete:

  • Increase in the fluidity and mobility of the solution, as a result, ease of placement increases, it fills the formwork better. The likelihood of voids forming, especially when filling the frames of complex structures, where vibration pressing is difficult, is reduced.
  • Reducing the amount of water in the solution: it gains strength faster.
  • Better adhesion to the surface (adhesion).
  • Resistance to cracking and temperature changes. Frost resistance.
  • Increased water-repellent properties of plaster.
  • Uniform mixing and reduced likelihood of stratification and separation of water.
  • Increased strength and service life of concrete.

Based on how they function, all plasticizers can be categorized as follows:

  1. Hydrophilic action. By increasing wettability, they reduce the formation time of colloids (particles mixed in a medium with another substance), resulting in increased fluidity and plasticity.
  2. Hydrophobic. Enriched with air bubbles. Increase the plasticity of the mixture and the strength of the plaster.

Plasticizers are classified by the degree of efficacy they possess into:

  • Superplasticizers. Made on the basis of melamine polymers.
  • Hyperplasticizers. Polycarboxylates are introduced into the composition. More active than superplasticizers. Due to the high cost, they are mainly used to create thin-layer self-leveling solutions, for example, for self-leveling floors.

Plasticizers for cement mortars on sale

Minerals, organic materials, or inorganic materials can be used to make plasticizers. The most often offered compositions for sale are as follows:

Superplast ArmMix (Russia). is a member of the superplasticizer class. salts, both organic and inorganic, based on water for use both indoors and outdoors. Suitable for foam and fiber concrete, masonry, foundation mortars, floor screeds, paving, and facade slabs. Ideal for any grade of concrete and building mortars. 0.2% of the cement’s weight is consumed.

Resin made of saponified wood. super-plasticizer. A mixture that has a water-repellent quality that is produced by hydrolyzing the wood esters of coniferous and deciduous trees. is a foaming agent that lowers density by creating lots of air bubbles. utilized in the production of expanded clay concrete, foam concrete, lightweight concrete, etc. improves frost resistance, mobility, and thermal insulation qualities. Because of this, less moisture can pass through concrete. Usage range: 0.1-0.3%.

C-3 superplasticizer. One of the less expensive plasticizers that is often used. Sulfate of naphthalene-formaldehyde is added to the mixture. prolongs the useful life of cement plasters and other concrete constructions. It increases fluidity and mobility and decreases stratification when added to sand-cement mortar. minimal use. For every 100 kg of cement, 5–7 kg are needed.

Mplus. liquid combination built around a salt complex. increases the concrete’s plasticity while also slowing down its setting and increasing density, homogeneity, and resistance to physical stress. lowers the use of cement. utilized in floor screeding and pouring solutions. One liter is used for every 100 kg of dry cement.

Planicrete Mapei. The primary material is synthetic rubber. increases the solution’s strength, adhesion to its surface, plasticity, mobility, and ability to retain moisture. for both interior and exterior projects. Consumption is 200–300 kg per square meter and can change based on the cement-sand mixture’s intended use.

Advice: The plasticizer should be added to the liquid used for mixing rather than the final mixture to ensure uniform distribution.

Present rates:

Type Description
Water-Reducing Reduces the amount of water needed in the mix, improving the strength and durability of the mortar.
Retarding Delays the setting time of the mortar, useful for working in hot conditions or for extended application time.
Accelerating Speeds up the curing process, helping the mortar set faster in cold conditions or when quick hardening is required.
Air-Entraining Introduces air bubbles into the mortar, which improves freeze-thaw resistance and helps with workability.

Plasticizers are an excellent supplement that improves the workability and general performance of cement mortars. They facilitate the application and finishing of mortar by enhancing the consistency and flow of the mixture. This is especially useful for intricate or detailed plastering projects.

The particulars of your project, such as the mortar’s required strength and texture, will determine which plasticizer is best. To get the best results, it will be helpful to understand the types that are available and how they affect the mixture.

Plastering can be made easier and with smoother, longer-lasting finishes by adding plasticizers to your cement mortars. These additives help guarantee a high-quality result for your wall plastering projects by making the mortar easier to work with.

Plasticizers are necessary additions that enhance the performance and workability of cement mortars. They improve the consistency and flow of the mortar, which makes it simpler to apply and shape, by lowering the amount of water required for mixing. This strengthens the finished product and expedites the application process, resulting in a finish that is more resilient and long-lasting. This post will discuss plasticizers, their uses, and how to pick the best one for your plastering requirements.

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Andrey Ivanov

An experienced builder with more than 15 years of experience. I specialize in plastering and decorative finishing. I started my career as an ordinary worker, gradually accumulating knowledge and skills in various finishing techniques. Now I share my experience to help beginners master the craft and avoid common mistakes.

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