Do you want to transform your low-slump concrete that refuses to flow in forms? If so, you need a super plasticizer admixture. These admixtures are able to reduce water content in a concrete mixture and increase workability at the same time. They are a must for anyone who wants to use fly ash, slag, silica fume or other high-performance cements.

The difference between plasticizers and superplasticizers is that plasticizers are additives that increase the plasticity of a substance and they also act as dispersants to prevent particle segregation. Superplasticizers on the other hand, reduce the water requirement of a concrete mixture by making the particles of the cement and its hydration products negatively charged which causes an inter-particle repulsion and improves workability and mobility. They can even make concrete flow with a very low water-to-cement ratio and still produce a high compressive strength.

Another advantage of superplasticizers is that they do not affect the initial set. The only exception to this is a lignosulfonate-based superplasticizer which retards the set of concrete about an hour.

Fritz-Pak’s Super Slump Buster is a powdered viscosity modifying admixture (VMA) that helps with the problem of slump loss in concrete and provides superior workability, durability, corrosion resistance and water resistance. It can be added to any mix and is easy to use. Just sprinkle a small amount into the mix and mix for 2-5 minutes to see the results. Add more very gradually if necessary. It is important to remember that if too much VMA or superplasticizer is used, it will negatively impact the strength, set time and color of the concrete.