Conplast SP420M*
Workability retention admixture for concrete
mixes
Uses
„ To provide workability retention for concrete mixes.
„ To help maintain the workability of readymixed
concrete deliveries in hot weather.
Advantages
„ Gives increased working life to fresh concrete.
„ Increases workability without extra water, reducing
placing time and costs.
„ Improves cohesion, minimising segregation and
improving surface finish.
„ Aids pumping by improving cohesion and reducing
workability loss.
„ Allows a reduction in water : cement ratio, enhancing
durability by producing low permeability concrete
with reduced shrinkage cracking potential.
„ Chloride free, safe for use in prestressed and
reinforced concrete.
Standards compliance
Conplast SP420M complies with ASTM C494, Type G.
Description
Conplast SP420M is a chloride free workability retention
admixture based on selected organic polymers. It is supplied
as a brown solution which instantly disperses in water.
Conplast SP420M disperses the tine particles in the concrete
mix, enabling the water content of the concrete to perform
more effectively. The increased workability, cohesion and
retardation provided minimise the loss in workability.
Technical support
Fosroc provides a technical advisory service for on-site
assistance and advice on admixture selection, evaluation trials
and dispensing equipment. Technical data and guidance can
be provided for admixtures and other products for use with
fresh and hardened concrete.
Conplast SP420M
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Typical dosage
The optimum dosage of Conplast SP420M to meet specific
requirements should always be determined by trials using the
materials and conditions that will be experienced in use. This
allows the optimisation of admixture dosage and mix design
and provides a complete assessment of the concrete mix. A
starting point for such trials is to use a dosage within the
normal typical range of 1.0 to 2.5 litres/100 kg cementitious
material, including PFA, GGBFS and microsilica.
Use at other dosages
Dosages outside the typical range quoted above may be used
if necessary and suitable to meet particular mix requirements,
provided that adequate supervision is available. Compliance
with requirements must be assessed through trial mixes.
Contact Fosroc Technical Services Department for advice in
these cases.
Properties
Appearance: Brown liquid
Specific gravity: Typically 1.14 @ 25oC
Chloride content: Nil to BS 5075
Alkali content: Typically less than 72.0 g. Na2O
equivalent/litre of admixture
Instructions for use
Mix design for workability retention
The starting mix design should be one suitable for use as a
pumping mix. To obtain the best results for workability
retention the starting mix workability should be above 200
mm slump. The retardation and improved cohesion provided
by Conplast SP420M then act to enhance the workability
retention characteristics. Advice on mix design for flowing
concrete is available from Fosroc Technical Services
Department.
In correctly designed flowing concrete, the improved
dispersion of the cement particles and the more efficient use
of mixing water will improve mix cohesion. The further
improvement in cohesion obtained with Conplast SP420M
will also help to minimise bleed and segregation. After initial
trials, minor modifications to the mix design may be made to
optimise performance.
Compatibility Curing

Conplast SP420M is compatible with other Fosroc admixtures
used in the same concrete mix. All admixtures should be added
to the concrete mix separately and must not be mixed together
prior to addition. The resultant properties of concrete
containing more than one admixture should be assessed by
the trial mix procedure recommended in this data sheet to
ensure that unwanted combination of effects do not occur.
Conplast SP420M is suitable for use with all types of Ordinary
Portland cements and cement replacement materials such as
PFA, GGBFS and silica fume. Further information in such usage
is provided elsewhere in this data sheet.
As with all structural concrete, good curing practice should be
maintained, particularly in situations where an overdose has
occurred. Water spray, wet hessian or a Concure spray applied
curing membrane should be used.
Performance assessment
Many variables in concreting materials and conditions can
affect the selection and use of an admixture. Trials should be
made using relevant materials and conditions in order to
determine the optimum mix design and admixture dosage to
meet specific requirements.

Dispensing Limitations

The correct quantity of Conplast SP420M should be measured All aspects of the performance of Conplast SP420M,
by means of a recommended dispenser. Normally, the plasticising, retardation and improved cohesion, contribute
admixture should then be added to the concrete with the mixing to the workability retention produced. In cases where one of
water to obtain the best results. Contact Fosroc Technical these properties is significantly affected by the available
Services Department for advice regarding suitable equipment concreting materials, such as where local sands significantly
and its installation. affect mix cohesion, the optimum performance may not be
obtained. In these cases, contact the local Fosroc office or
Effects of overdosing
representative for advice on alternative Fosroc products or
An overdose of double the intended amount of Conplast product combinations.
SP420M will result in a significant increase in retardation as
compared to that normally obtained at the intended dosage. Estimating - packaging
Provided that adequate curing is maintained, the ultimate
Conplast SP420M is available in 25 & 210 litre drums and
strength of the concrete will not be impaired by increased
bulk supply.
retardation and will generally be increased. The effects of
overdosing will be further increased if sulphate resisting
Storage
cement or cement replacement materials are used.
Conplast SP420M has a minimum shelf life of 12 months
Overdosage is also likely to cause increased air entrainment,
provided the temperature is kept within the range of 2oC to
which will tend to reduce strength. The degree of this effect
50oC. Should the temperature of the product fall outside this
will depend on the particular mix design and overdose level.
range then Fosroc Technical Services Department should be
An overdose will greatly increase the plasticising effect of the contacted for advice.
admixture. As concrete is normally batched to a target
Freezing point: Approximately -3oC
workability, increased plasticising will allow an increased water
reduction. This will have the effect of increasing ultimate
strength and partially or fully offsetting the effect of any
increased air entrainment.

If no increase in water reduction is taken and a significant rise

in workability is allowed there is a strong possibility of mix
segregation. Increased initial workability will tend to extend
the working life of the concrete, which will delay finishing and
stiffening times to some extent.
Precautions

Health and safety

Conplast SP420M does not fall into the hazard classifications

of current regulations. However, it should not be swallowed or
allowed to come into contact with skin and eyes.

Suitable protective gloves and goggles should be worn.

Splashes on the skin should be removed with water. In case of

contact with eyes rinse immediately with water. In case of
contact with eyes rinse immediately with plenty of water and
seek medical advice. If swallowed seek medical attention
immediately - do not induce vomiting.

For further information consult the Material Safety Data Sheet

available for this product.

Fire

Conplast SP420M is water based and non-flammable.

Cleaning and disposal

Spillages of Conplast SP420M should be absorbed onto sand,

earth or vermiculite and transferred to suitable containers.
Remnants should be hosed down with large quantities of water.

The disposal of excess or waste material should be carried out

in accordance with local legislation under the guidance of the
local waste requlatory authority.
Additional Information

Fosroc manufactures a wide range of complementary products

which include :

„ waterproofing membranes & waterstops

„ joint sealants & filler boards

„ cementitious & epoxy grouts

„ specialised flooring materials

Fosroc additionally offers a comprehensive package of

products specifically designed for the repair and refurbishment
of damaged concrete. Fosroc’s ‘Systematic Approach’ to
concrete repair features the following :

„ hand-placed repair mortars

„ spray grade repair mortars

„ fluid micro-concretes

„ chemically resistant epoxy mortars

„ anti-carbonation/anti-chloride protective coatings

„ chemical and abrasion resistant coatings

For further information on any of the above, please consult

your local Fosroc office.

* Denotes the trademark of Fosroc International Limited

Fosroc Jordan

P. O. Box 253
King Abdullah II Industrial Estate
Sahab 11512 Jordan
Tel : 5359562 Fax : 5359563
Factory Tel : 4022665

Important note

Fosroc products are guaranteed against defective materials and manufacture and are sold subject to its standard terms and conditions of sale, copies of which
may be obtained on request. Whilst Fosroc endeavours to ensure that any advice, recommendation, specification or information it may give is accurate and correct,
it cannot, because it has no direct or continuous control over where or how its products are applied, accept any liability either directly or indirectly arising from
the use of its products, whether or not in accordance with any advice, specification, recommendation or information given by it.

www.fosroc.com JOR/09/2001