Title:
Superplasticizers: How they Work and Why They Occasionally Don't
Author(s):
Pierre-Claude Aitcin, Carmel Jolicoeur, and James G. Macgregor
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
16
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
45-52
Keywords:
admixtures; air-entraining agents; dispersants; superplasticizers; water-cement ratio; water-reducing agents; Materials Research
DOI:
Date:
5/1/1994
Abstract:
This paper provides an overview of current knowledge on cement-superplasticizer interactions to explain how superplasticizers work and why incompatibility problems can be encountered, in spite of the fact that both the cement and the superplasticizer meet their respective acceptance standards. It aims to help avoid gross errors, and provide some guidance to draw maximum benefits from the use of these highly effective water-reducing admixtures by the concrete industry.