A superplasticizer admixture is an effective concrete additive that reduces the water content of concrete and increases its workability. This type of admixture is different from a normal plasticizer because it can be used at much higher concentrations, allowing concrete to be made with lower water-to-cement ratios. This allows for the use of high-grade cement, reduced shrinkage, and increased strength.

This type of admixture can be either powdered or liquid and is added directly to the concrete during mixing. Fritz-Pak’s Alpha Pro Fluidizer is a powdered polycarboxylate superplasticizer that is available in both a sample size (1 lb) and a pro size (5 lbs).

Supercizer PCE improves both the slump and the strength of your concrete using modern chemistry. This unique admixture also helps save you money by reducing the amount of water needed for your mix. This is especially beneficial in hot weather conditions, as it will delay the set of your concrete.

Aside from superplasticizers, there are five distinct classes of chemical admixtures: air-entraining, water-reducing, retarding, accelerating, and plasticizers (superplasticizers). The class of admixture a mix is being used for will determine what other admixtures may be needed, such as fly ash, silica fume, and chemical stabilizers.

The most common types of superplasticizers are based on sulfonated napthalene formaldehyde condensate, sodium salt of sulfonated naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF), sulfonated melamine formaldehyde condensate, and modified lignosulphonates (MLS). These admixtures are made from waste products, such as sulfonic acid ester of antibiotic manufacturing, lignosulfates of paper industry, and yeast fermentation waste.