Technology Opportunities

Water-reducing/plasticizing admixtures are used at an increasing rate for the production of both high-strength and normal strength concrete. The increase is due to the wide range of influence these additives have on the rheology of fresh concrete, as well as on the engineering properties of the hardened material. These admixtures improve the workability of concrete at a given water cement ratio or reduce water content in the mix allowing for the production of concrete of increased strength and increased resistance to physical and chemical attack. They also allow for a reduction of both water and cement in order to reduce the concrete cost. As opposed to other conventionally used plasticizers, this admixture is nontoxic, can be stored safely, is made of easily attainable raw materials, is easy to manufacture and is low-cost.