Admixtures & Additives

Superplasticisers based on polycarboxylate ethers (PCE) are essential the application requires a rugged concrete manufactured with a low binding agent content and a low w/c ratio. PCEs are comb-shaped polymers that can be individually adapted as necessary. The negatively charged polymers absorb to the surface of the cement, shifting its surface potential towards more negative values while the side chains create a form of spatial protection. Both properties increase the clearance intervals and mobility of the cement particles in the cement paste of fresh concrete. These leads to significantly higher water reduction and far greater plasticizing than encountered with conventional superplasticizers or plasticisers based on naphthalene or melamine condensates. MC manufactures advanced polymers in-house based on its own patented processes, enabling it to offer a wide range of PCE-based superplasticisers.

The performance of conventional concrete additives is limited when it comes to manufacturing high-density, high-durability concretes for, say, thin-walled fa ade elements or the ultimate in fair-face finishes. However, with the high-quality Centrilit additives from MC, you can significantly exceed the standard requirements specified for these types of concrete. Their pozzolanic properties strengthen the bond zone between the hardened cement paste and the aggregate, while optimising the packing density of the concrete structure down to the micro level. Thus, flexural and compressive strength, density and resistance against contaminating substances are greatly increased, together with the general durability of the concrete component. Further benefits include enhanced quality of surface finish and coloration, combined with a more cost-efficient manufacturing process.