Surface Improving Admixtures

Concrete surface beautification is mainly achieved by utilizing the natural texture, texture, and color of concrete itself. It is a type of concrete that does not require any external decoration after pouring and forming. The surface effect is mainly achieved by carefully adjusting the proportion of concrete raw materials, strictly controlling the construction process, and beautifying various functional products.

Main Functions:

• Improve surface finish and appearance.
• Reduce water absorption and permeability.
• Enhance surface hardness and wear resistance.
• Protect against environmental damage and chemical attack.

Usage:

• Usually applied as surface treatments after concrete finishing.
• Can be used on new or existing concrete surfaces for repair or preservation.

Finish RL99 Concrete Release Agent is a substance applied to construction formwork prior to concrete pouring. Its core function is to create a polymeric barrier film between the formwork and the concrete. This film ensures the poured concrete does not adhere to the formwork, thereby maintaining the surface smoothness of the concrete. Simultaneously, it effectively protects the formwork, extending its service life and preventing corrosion of the formwork.

During the mixing and pouring of concrete, air is inevitably entrapped, forming air bubbles. If these bubbles remain within the hardened concrete, they create voids that reduce the concrete’s density and strength. Bubbles may also compromise the aesthetic appeal of concrete surfaces, particularly in decorative concrete requiring a smooth finish. The function of a defoamer is to disrupt the stability of these bubbles, causing them to rapidly collapse or escape. This enhances the overall performance of the concrete, improves surface gloss, and elevates its texture. Recommend Finish DF430

HC/HCP Concrete curing agents are chemical materials used as a substitute for traditional water sprinkling methods. Applied by spraying or brushing onto concrete surfaces, they form a protective film that reduces moisture evaporation and promotes complete cement hydration. This enhances concrete strength and durability while preventing cracking.

Film-forming Principle: When applied to concrete or mortar surfaces, the curing agent rapidly forms a colorless, impermeable film as moisture evaporates to a certain degree. This film prevents water loss from the concrete or mortar, thereby reducing shrinkage and cracking.

Core Functions of Curing Compound

1. Water Retention: Seals surface pores to reduce moisture loss (reduction rate up to 80%+).
2. Crack Prevention: Inhibits shrinkage cracks, especially effective in high-temperature, dry environments.
3. Strength Enhancement: Ensures continuous cement hydration, increasing 28-day strength by 10%-20%.
4. Time and Labor Savings: Eliminates frequent watering, ideal for water-scarce regions or large-scale projects.

Application Methods and Precautions

Application Steps:

• Timing: After initial setting of concrete (surface free of standing water; no indentation when lightly pressed with finger).
• Spraying: Apply evenly at a rate of approximately 0.1-0.3 kg/m² (per product instructions).
• Drying: Allow natural film formation (typically 1-2 hours); avoid contact.

Critical Precautions:

• Environmental Requirements: Avoid application during rain or temperatures below 5°C (41°F).
• Compatibility: If subsequent coating (e.g., epoxy flooring) is required, select a biodegradable curing agent.
• Special Areas: Ensure thorough coverage in areas with dense reinforcement to prevent localized drying shrinkage.

TARD-S surface retarder sprayed onto concrete surfaces precisely controls surface setting time, stripping away the cement paste layer to naturally expose underlying aggregates like granite and basalt. This creates a decorative finish that combines rugged texture with subtle layering.

1. Spraying Process and Dosage Control

• Application Timing: The retarder must be evenly sprayed or brushed onto the concrete before initial setting (2-3 hours before final setting) to ensure full penetration of the surface layer.
• Dosage Range: Standard dosage is 0.2-0.5 kg/m² (brushing method) or 0.2-0.3 L/m² (spraying method), adjusted based on concrete strength, ambient temperature, and desired etching depth.
• Tool Selection: Airless spray equipment is recommended to achieve uniform atomized coverage, preventing missed areas or accumulation.

2. Environmental and Material Compatibility

• Formwork Preparation: Thoroughly clean oil residues from formwork surfaces before spraying. Do not use release agents to ensure effective bonding between the retarder and concrete.
• Temperature Impact: Shorten spraying intervals in high-temperature environments. Extend curing time in low temperatures to prevent premature chemical degradation.