Types of water reducing agents

Water reducing agents are a commonly used concrete additive that can reduce the amount of cement used and improve the workability of concrete without reducing its strength. According to the different chemical composition and mechanism of action, water reducing agents can be divided into the following main types:

Air enveloping water reducing agent: It forms a large number of small bubbles in concrete, improving its plasticity and crack resistance. Common air enveloping water reducing agents include hydrochloride type and fatty alcohol ether type.

Ion adsorption type water reducing agent: By interacting with charged ions on the surface of cement particles, it prevents mutual attraction between cement particles, reduces colloid adsorption phenomenon, and effectively reduces cement dosage. Representative ion adsorption type water reducing agents include phosphate type and carboxylic acid type.

Dispersive water reducing agent: By dispersing colloidal particles on cement particles, it disperses them evenly, reduces the mutual adsorption force between particles, thereby reducing the adhesion of cement colloids and improving the fluidity of concrete. Common dispersed water reducing agents include polycarboxylic acid type and fatty hydrocarbon sulfonate type.

Crystal growth inhibition type water reducing agent: By inhibiting the crystal growth of cement hydration products, reducing the connection between crystals and improving the fluidity of concrete. The typical crystal growth inhibition type water reducing agent is the silicate type.

It should be noted that different types of water reducing agents are suitable for different concrete engineering and performance requirements, and the selection of appropriate water reducing agents should be evaluated and tested based on specific circumstances. In addition, when using water reducing agents, it is necessary to follow the operating guidelines and recommended dosage provided by the manufacturer to ensure the performance and quality of the concrete.