Specialist construction chemical supplier Oscrete has commenced trials of Alphaflow 620, its new generation superplasticiser for concrete, with excellent results.
Based in Bradford, UK, Oscrete supplies concrete admixtures, reinforcing fibres, mould release agents, concrete treatments and speciality additives to all sectors of the concrete and mortar production industry.
Alphaflow 620 is based on a modified synthetic carboxylate polymer blended with a viscosity modifying agent. It has been specifically designed for use when producing self-compacting concrete (SCC) in a precast environment where exceptional placing performance and a high-quality fair faced finished is required.
Superplasticisers are used to disperse the agglomerated cement particles by steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion, this in turn releases the bound water allowing water reduction and improvements in the flow characteristics of the concrete. The VMA is used to bind the water allowing controlled flow and an improved water tolerance.
Alphaflow 620 is designed to allow substantial water reductions and thereby offer increased early age strength through the low water to cement ratios whilst still producing homogeneous concrete. This significantly improves the overall performance of the hardening cement paste giving faster demoulding times and more efficient and cost effective use of the precast moulds.
“We are delighted with the recent trials,” commented Oscrete Operations Director Danny Kilgallon. “Results at a major precast manufacturer were excellent and we hope that this new additive will offer our customers improved finish and durability.”
Formed in the late 1970’s, the Oscrete Concrete division of Christeyns UK manufactures a range of high performance super-plasticising admixtures, waterproofing agents and efflorescence controllers that consistently deliver high value technical solutions to clients across the concrete industry. Its range of quality, innovative products makes Oscrete one of the UK’s leading specialist construction chemical suppliers.
Results of recent trials can be viewed in this You Tube clip which shows Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) using the new Alphaflow 620 –
https://youtu.be/711rtIyZ9EQ
