Without additives, modern concrete would not exist. However, their misuse explains a good part of the construction pathologies: cracking due to overdosage of plasticizer, delayed setting due to incompatibility between accelerator and water reducer, or loss of durability due to poorly calculated air-entraining agents.
The six families
Plasticizers (mid-range water reducers). Reduce mixing water by 5-12% while maintaining workability. Typical dosage: 0.3-1.2% based on cement weight.
Superplasticizers (high range). Reduce water by 12-30%. Self-compacting concrete, precast, high strength. Dosage: 0.5-2%.
Retarders. Prolong the setting time in warm climates or long transports. Dosage: 0.1-0.4%.
Accelerators. Speed up hardening. Useful in cold weather and for quick formwork removal. Dosage: 0.5-3% (chloride-free for reinforced concrete).
Mass water repellents. Reduce the capillary absorption of hardened concrete. Dosage: 0.5-2%.
Air-entraining agents. Generate stable microbubbles that improve resistance to freeze-thaw cycles. Dosage: 0.02-0.2%. Each 1% of air reduces strength by ~5%, calculate the final dosage carefully.
What the Quimicasur range covers
Our line of additives covers the families that concentrate the largest volume of work in concrete and mortar: water reduction, setting control, durability against moisture, and work in cold weather. For specific applications outside the catalog (civil engineering retarders, air-entraining agents for pavements in very cold climates) please consult us: we also work with third-party brands on request.
Plasticizer / water reducer: Adiflu 100, ideal for mortars and conventional concretes where workability is improved without increasing mixing water.
Superplasticizer: Adiflu C, for high strength, self-compacting and precast concretes.
Setting accelerator: Acelenet, chloride-free, suitable for reinforced concrete.
Antifreeze: Adiflu Gel, for concreting and mortars at low temperatures.
Mass water repellent: Hidro-masa (classified under waterproofing due to its end use), provides water repellency to the mixing water.
Compatibilities — what works
Plasticizer + retarder: yes, they are used together in summer concreting. Plasticizer + chloride accelerator: never in reinforced concrete. Polycarboxylate superplasticizer + high C3A cements: check the time loss curve of workability before purchasing at scale.
Air-entraining agent + plasticizer: compatible, but the plasticizer may carry additional air, recalibrate dosage after trials in the plant.
Rules to avoid issues
Adding dosages is not adding effects. Two additives at double the dosage do not yield double the result — they may cancel each other out or generate side effects (segregation, excessive delay, exudation). Start with the lower limit of the technical data sheet.
Always request the CE mark according to UNE-EN 934-2. Verify the compatibility test with your cement; polycarboxylates are sensitive to the C3A/SO3 ratio of the clinker.
Common mistakes on site
Add the additive to the mixing water instead of following the recommended sequence (dry mixing, water, additive). Overdose to "gain" workability without first measuring the slump. Reuse dirty water for cleaning the mixer: you alter the setting curve.