ADMIXTURE

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 Definition
Admixtures are chemicals which are added to concrete at the mixing stage to modify some of the properties
of the mix. Admixtures should never be regarded as a substitute for good materials, good mix design and
good workmanship.
An admixture for concrete is defined as a material other than water, hydraulic cement, and aggregates that
used as an ingredient of concrete and is added to the batch immediately before or during mixing
History
Admixtures have long been recognized as important components of concrete used to improve its
performance. The original use of admixtures in cementitious mixtures is not well documented. It is known
that cement mixed with organic matter was applied as a surface coat for water resistance or tinting
purposes. It would be a logical step to use such materials, which imparted desired qualities to the surface, as
integral parts of the mixture. The use of natural admixtures in concrete was a logical progression. Materials
used as admixtures included milk and lard (Sheep Fat) by the Romans; eggs during the middle ages in
Europe; polished glutinous rice paste, lacquer, tung oil, blackstrap molasses, and extracts from elm soaked
in water and boiled bananas by the Chinese; and in Mesoamerica and Peru, cactus juice and latex from
rubber plants. The Mayans also used bark extracts and other substances as set retarders to keep stucco
workable for a long period of time. Also the well known Egyptians Pyramids construction involved the usage
of Animal blood as plasticizers.
Uses of Admixtures
The most common reasons for using admixtures in concrete are:
• To increase workability without changing water content.
• To reduce water content without changing work ability.
• To alter setting time.
• To reduce segregation and/or bleeding.
ADMIXTURE

• To improve pumpability.
• To accelerate the rate of strength development at early ages.
• To enhance strength development.
• To improve potential durability and reduce permeability.
• To reduce the cubic meter cost of concrete.
Types of Admixtures
Admixtures are normally categorized according to their effect:
• Plasticizers (water-reducing agents)
• Super-plasticizers
• Air Entrainers
• Accelerators
• Retarders
• Others (Pozzolonic Admixtures – PFA,GGBFS,MS etc.,) Many admixtures provide combinations of
properties such as plasticizer / retarders or plasticizer / air entrainers. Each admixture type is discussed in the
following sections.

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Plasticizers
When added to a concrete mix, plasticizers (water reducing agents) are absorbed on the surface of the binder particles, causing
them to repel each other and deflocculate. This results in improved workability and provides a more even distribution of the binder
particles through the mix. The main types of plasticizers are lignosulphonic acids and their salts, hydroxylated carboxylic acids and
their salts, and modifications of both.
Dosage
The typical dosage of a plasticizer varies from 200ml – 450 ml per
100 kg of cementitious material.
Uses
• Plasticizers usually increase the slump of concrete with a given water content.
• Plasticizers can reduce the water requirement of a concrete mix for a given Image
workability, as a rule-of-thumb, by about 10%.
• The addition of a plasticizer makes it possible to achieve a given strength
with a lower cement content.
• Plasticizers may improve pumpability.
Practical considerations
• A number of plasticizers contain a retarder and can cause problems if overdozed.
• Some plasticizers contain chlorides which may increase the danger of corrosion of reinforcing steel.
• While some plasticizers entrain varying amounts of air, others are reasonably consistent in the amount of air they entrain.
• Where plasticizers are used to increase workability, the shrinkage and creep will invariably be increase.

Superplasticizers
These admixtures are chemically distinct from normal plasticizers and although their action is basically the same, it is more marked.
When they are used to produce flowing concrete a rapid loss of workability can be expected and therefore they should be added
just prior to placing. Superplasticizers are usually chemical compounds such as sulphonated melamine formaldehyde,
sulphonated naphthalene formaldehyde, and modified lignosulshonates.
Dosage
The normal dosage of a superplasticizer is between 750ml and 2500 ml per 100 kg of cementitious material.
Uses
• In areas of congested reinforcement.
• Where a self-levelling consistence facilitates placing.
• For high-strength concretes by decreasing the water: cement ratio
as a result of reducing the water content by 15-25%.
Practical considerations Image
• Special mixes must be designed for superplasticizers and their use
must be carefully controlled.
• The effect of a superplasticizer may disappear as soon as 30
minutes after mixing depending on the type and intensity of the retardation.
• They have a relatively high unit cost.
• Where superplasticizers are used to produce very high workability, the shrinkage and creep will be increased.

Air Entrainers
An air-entraining agent introduces air in the form of minute bubbles distributed uniformly throughout the cement paste.
The main types include salts of wood resins, animal or vegetable fats and oils and sulphonated hydrocarbons.
Dosage
Typical dosage for air-entraining agents is between 50ml and 150ml per 100kg of cementitious material.
Uses
• Where improved resistance of hardened concrete to damage from freezing and thawing is required.
• For improved workability, especially in harsh or lean mixes.
• To reduce bleeding and segregation, especially when a mix lacks fines.
Practical considerations
• Air entrainment may reduce the strength of concrete and
overdosing can cause major loss of strength. As a rule-of thumb, 1% air may cause a strength loss of 5%. It is therefore
important that mixes be specially designed for air entrainment and that the percentage of air entrained during
construction be monitored.
• Because the doses are so small, special dispensers and accurate monitoring
are required.
• Different types and sources of cement/cement extenders may result in
the entrainment of different amounts of air for the same dose and mix
proportions.
• A change in cementitious content, in the grading or proportions Image
of the fine fractions of sand will normally alter the
volume of air entrained.
• The amount or air entrained may depend on the source and grading
of sand in concrete.
• Forced-action mixers entrain larger volumes of air than other types.
• Increasing ambient temperature tends to reduce the volume of air entrained.
• The use of Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and fly ash (FA) tend to reduce the amount of air entrained.
• Duration of mixing can also affect air content.

Accelerators
These admixtures speed up the chemical reaction of the cement and water and so accelerate the rate of setting and/or early gain in
strength of concrete. Among the main types of accelerators are calcium chloride, calcium formate, soda ash, potassium chloride
and a number of organic materials. Calcium chloride appears to be the only one that is reasonably predictable in its performance,
but it tends to promote corrosion of steel in concrete.
Uses
• Where rapid setting and high early strengths are required (eg in shaft sinking).
• Where rapid turnover of moulds or formwork is required.
• Where concreting takes place under very cold conditions.
Practical Considerations
• Certain accelerators may increase drying shrinkage, cracking and creep.
• They may cause lower flexural strengths.
• Many chloride-based accelerators promote corrosion of reinforcing steel.
• Calcium chloride should not be used in:
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- Reinforced concrete
- Water-retaining structures
- Prestressed concrete
- Steam-cured concrete
• Overdosing with these materials can caused marked retardation.
• Accelerators work more effectively at lower ambient temperatures.

Retarders
These admixtures slow the chemical reaction of the cement and water leading to longer setting times and slower initial strength
gain. The most common retarders are hydroxylated carboxylic acids, borax, lignins, sugar and some phosphates.
Uses
• When placing concrete in hot weather, particularly when the concrete is pumped.
• To prevent cold joints due to duration of placing.
• In concrete which has to be transported for a long time.
Practical considerations
• If a mix is overdosed beyond the limit recommended, retardation can last for days.
• Retarders often increase plastic shrinkage and plastic settlement cracking.
• Delayed addition of retarders can result in extended retardation.
 MYK Schomburg Range of Concrete Admixtures

MYK SAVEMIX SP111

Medium range super plasticizing admixture.
Description
MYK SAVEMIX SP 111 is a super plasticizing high performance and medium range water reducing & retarding admixture. The
product is a blend of Ligno Sulphonates & SNF to give water reductions up to 10% – 15% without loss of workability or to produce
high quality concrete of reduced permeability. MYK Savemix SP111 is supplied as a brown liquid instantly dispersible in water.
Uses
• Suitable for high performance concrete
• To produce pumpable concrete
• To increase workability without extra water
• To improve cohesion, minimizing segregation and give better finish.
• Chloride free, hence safe to use in reinforced concrete. Image
• Can be used with concrete containing Fly Ash and GGBS.
Advantages
• Improved workability - Easier, quicker placing and compaction.
• Increased strength - Provides high early strength if water reduction is
taken advantage of.
• Increased quality - Denser, close textured concrete with reduced porosity
and hence enhanced durability.
• Higher cohesion - Risk of segregation and bleeding minimized,
thus aids pumping of Concrete.
Standards Compliance
MYK Savemix SP111 complies with IS: 9103:1999 and ASTM-C494M - 99a,
1999 Type 'G'.
Dosage
The recommended Standard dosage should be in compliance with IS: 9103. Image
The dosage is to be fixed based on the confirmatory trails executed in the site.
Packaging
20 Kgs & 250 Kgs
Shelf Life
12 Months if stored in shaded condition in original sealed pack.

MYK SAVEMIX SP 200

Super Plasticizing Admixture for High Grade Concrete

Description
MYK SAVEMIX SP 200 is a super plasticizing high performance and high range water reducing & retarding admixture for High
Grade Concretes. MYK Savemix SP200 based on SNF Polymers and is supplied as a brown liquid instantly dispersible in water. It
has been specially formulated to give high water reductions up to 25% without loss of workability or to produce high quality
concrete of reduced permeability.
Uses
• Suitable for high performance concrete
• To produce pumpable concrete
• To increase workability without extra water
• To improve cohesion, minimising segregation and give better finish.
• Chloride free, safe for use in pre-stressed and reinforced concrete
• Can be used with concrete containing micro-silica and other cement replacements.
Advantages
• Improved workability - Easier, quicker placing and compaction.
• Increased strength - Provides high early strength if water reduction
is taken advantage of.
• Increased quality - Denser, close textured concrete with reduced
porosity and hence enhanced durability.
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• Higher cohesion - Risk of segregation and bleeding minimized,
thus aids pumping of Concrete.
Standards Compliance
MYK Savemix SP200 complies with IS: 9103:1999 & BS: 5075 Part 3 - 1985,
and ASTM-C 494 Type 'G' as a high range water reducing admixture.
Dosage
The recommended Standard dosage should be in compliance with IS: 9103. The dosage is to be fixed based on the confirmatory
trails executed in the site. The recommended dosage can be between 0.6 to 1.5%, but over this dosage a proper trails is to be
executed before it is been implemented.
Packaging
20 Kgs & 250 Kgs.
Shelf Life:
12 Months if stored in shaded condition in original sealed pack.

MYK REMICRETE PC 20
A High performance concrete hyper- plasticizer based on poly-carboxylic technology.

Description
MYK Remicrete PC20 differentiated from conventional superplasticizers in that it is based on a unique carboxylic ether polymer with
long lateral chains. This greatly improves cement dispersion. At the start of the mixing process an electrostatic dispersion occurs but
the cement particle’s capacity to separate and disperse. This mechanism considerably reduces the water demand in flowable
concrete. MYK Remicrete PC20 combines properties of water reduction and workability retention. It allows the production of high
performance concrete and/or concrete with high workability.
Uses:
• MYK Remicrete PC20 is a high performance super-plasticizer intended
for applications where increased early and ultimate compressive strengths are required.
• In Self compacting concrete
• In Pumping concrete.
• Concrete requiring long workability retention.
• High performance concrete
Advantages Image
• Increased early and ultimate compressive strengths
• Higher E modulus
• Improved adhesion to reinforcing and prestressing steel.
• Better resistance to carbonation and low permeability Image
• Better resistance to aggressive atmospheric conditions
• Reduced shrinkage and creep and Increased durability
Standards Compliance
MYK Remicrete PC20 complies with BS: 5075 Part 1 - 1985, and ASTM-C 494.
Dosage
The optimum dosage of MYK Remicrete PC20 to meet specific requirements should be determined by trials using the materials and
conditions that will be experienced in use. The normal dosage range is between 0.3 to 2.5 kgs/100 kg of cementitious material.
Dosage outside the normal range quoted above can be used to meet particular mix requirements. Over dosages may cause delay
in setting time. Contact MYK for such cases.
Packaging
200 Kgs.
Shelf Life
12 Months if stored in shaded condition in original sealed pack.
MYK REMICRETE PC 5
High performance concrete super plasticizer based on modified poly-carboxylic technology.

Description
MYK Remicrete PC5 differentiated from conventional super-plasticizers in that it is based on modified carboxylic ether polymer with
long lateral chains associated . This greatly improves cement dispersion. At the start of the mixing process an electrostatic dispersion
occurs but the cement particle’s capacity to separate and disperse. This mechanism considerably reduces the water demand in
flowable concrete. MYK Remicrete PC5 combines properties of water reduction and workability retention.
Uses
• MYK Remicrete PC5 is a high performance super-plasticizer intended for applications
where increased early retentions and for a betterment of Harsh mixes.
• In Pumping concrete.
• Concrete requiring long workability retention.
• High performance concrete
Advantages
• Improved adhesion to reinforcing and prestressing steel.
• Better resistance to carbonation and low permeability
• Better resistance to aggressive atmospheric conditions
• Reduced shrinkage and creep and Increased durability Image
Dosage
The optimum dosage of MYK Remicrete PC5 to meet specific requirements
should be determined by trials using the materials and conditions that will
be experienced in use. The normal dosage range is between 0.3 to
2.5 ltrs/100 kg of cementitious material. Dosage outside the normal
range quoted above can be used to meet particular mix requirements.
Over dosages may cause delay in setting time. Contact MYK for such cases.
Packaging : 200 Kgs.
Shelf Life : 12 Months if stored in shaded condition in original sealed pack.

MYK PROOF WP10

Integral Waterproofing Admixture

Description
MYK PROOF WP10 is chloride free water reducing cum integral waterproofing admixture which is based on selected sugar-
reduced lingo-sulphonates. It is supplied as a brown solution which instantly disperses in water. MYK Proof WP10 disperses the fine
particles in concrete mix, enabling the water content of the concrete to perform more effectively and improving the consistency of
the concrete. This produces higher levels of workability for the same water content, allowing benefits such as water reduction and
increased impermeability.
Uses
• Suitable for low permeability concrete
• To increase workability without extra water
• To improve cohesion, minimizing segregation and give better finish.
• Chloride free
• Water reducer.
Advantages
• Improved workability - Easier, quicker placing and compaction.
• Increased strength - Provides high early strength if water reduction is taken advantage of.
• Increased quality - Denser, close textured concrete with reduced porosity and hence enhanced durability.
• Higher cohesion - Risk of segregation and bleeding minimized, thus aids pumping of Concrete.
Standards Compliance
MYK Proof WP 10 complies with IS: 2645 - 2003.
Dosage
A typical dosage in general recommended is 200 Gms / Bag of Cement.
Packaging : 20 Kgs & 250 Kgs.
Shelf Life : 12 Months if stored in shaded condition in original sealed pack.
The Globally Renowned German Expertise.
Now in India

MYK Group has established a strong foothold in India with

almost 15 years of experience in the construction industry. The
group has diverse business interests in the areas of Cement,
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Systems, Construction Chemicals and Cotton Yarn.

Professional values, quality and affordability of products,

commitment to service and firm technical knowledge are the
foundations on which the group is built.

Schomburg brings in the famed German technical expertise and

an internationally renowned range of construction chemicals
that has been acknowledged by the world for over 3 decades
now.

MYK SCHOMBURG, with the proven record of MYK Group

combined with Schomburg's expertise, promises a unique
quality & innovation that is bound to revolutionize the
construction industry.

It is all set to introduce new ideas, expertise & standards in India

with a range of high- performance construction chemicals that
include

n Waterproofing Systems

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