Superplasticizers are a category of water reducers that are growing in popularity because they improve the workability of concrete while decreasing the amount of water required.

The addition of a superplasticizer to concrete formed at a water: cement ratio of 0.3 produces a fluid cement paste. This fluidity is a very important advantage because it makes the concrete easy to handle and transport.

A good concrete producer should also consider the durability of his or her concrete. Studies of air-entrained flowing or high-strength concrete containing SMF, SNF and MLS-type superplasticizers have shown that this type of concrete is as durable as conventional concrete.

Moreover, the concrete produced in this way shows excellent resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and to other environmental influences. This is due to the lower water:cement ratio and, thereby, to the higher air-void spacing factor.

Fritz-Pak offers two strengths of superplasticizer: Supercizer 1 and Supercizer 5. These products offer a variety of uses, including high early strength and up to a 20% water reduction.

The best way to use superplasticizers is to apply them to wet concrete as soon as it is mixed and before the concrete sets. This will help you avoid bleeding and excessive drying shrinkage, two common problems with concrete.

In the summer, when concrete is prone to setting faster than usual, adding a delayed set admixture like superplasticizer can make your job go even smoother. This is why we developed our Supercizer 5 and Supercizer 7 – they provide the power of plasticizers, but with a little extra time to work.