A water reducing agent, also known as a plasticizer, is a type of chemical additive that is used in concrete and other cementitious materials to reduce the amount of water needed to achieve the desired workability and strength. The use of water reducing agents can improve the quality of concrete, increase its durability, and reduce the overall cost of construction.
Water reducing agents work by dispersing and/or deflocculating the cement particles in the concrete mixture, which reduces the interparticle friction and increases the fluidity of the mixture. This makes the mixture easier to work with and reduces the amount of water needed to achieve the desired slump or workability. By reducing the water-cement ratio, the strength and durability of the concrete are improved.
There are two main types of water reducing agents: lignosulfonates and synthetic polymers. Lignosulfonates are derived from wood pulp and are commonly used in low to moderate strength concrete. They are relatively inexpensive and have been used for many years. Synthetic polymers, on the other hand, are manufactured from chemicals and can provide a greater reduction in water demand and improved workability, making them suitable for use in high-performance concrete.
Water reducing agents can be used in a variety of applications, including precast concrete, ready-mixed concrete, shotcrete, and self-consolidating concrete. They can also be used to improve the workability of concrete in hot weather, reduce the risk of cracking, and reduce the overall cost of construction.
In summary, water reducing agents are chemical additives that reduce the amount of water needed to achieve the desired workability and strength of concrete and other cementitious materials. They work by dispersing and/or deflocculating the cement particles, reducing the interparticle friction and increasing the fluidity of the mixture. The use of water reducing agents can improve the quality and durability of concrete, reduce the risk of cracking, and reduce the overall cost of construction.