Rofluid P is a 50% aqueous solution of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) of brown-yellow colour and low viscosity. PCEs are new generation concrete admixtures, compounds with a specific structure (the so-called comb structure), consisting of a long main chain and side chains with lengths depending on the number of repeating units of ethylene oxide and / or propylene.
Rofluid P is used as a base for admixtures especially recommended for the production of precast concrete and is characterized by high concrete setting retarding efficiency.
The mechanism of how PCEs work, is the result of their chemical structure. Rofluid P particles adsorb the surface of cement grains and create a steric hindrance for neighbouring grains. The resulting particles, having a specific hydrodynamic volume (different depending on the structure of the polymer), when too close to each other will repel each other. Agglomeration of cement grains is then difficult, which in turn extends the time it takes to produce its hydration products and delays the setting of the concrete mix. In addition, water trapped in cement agglomerates is released, which leads to less consumption of batched water. Rofluid P allows the production of a concrete mix with very good workability, while preventing segregation of ingredients and creating uniform concrete.
The addition of Rofluid P reduces the consumption of batched water by up to 35%. This has a direct impact on the durability of concrete, increasing its early strength (which allows faster demoulding of concrete elements) and late strength. Concrete with the addition of Rofluid P becomes more airtight, so its resistance to abrasion, aggressive substances and frost increases. It should be remembered that the amount of PCE added to the concrete mix depends, among others on the type of cement, the method of preparing the mix, the method of mixing or ambient temperature.
To obtain concrete with standard strength it is recommended to use 0.4-1.0% Rofluid P in relation to the weight of the binder, while for obtaining high-strength concrete with high fluidity, the admixture addition should be slightly higher, 0.5-1.5% product to the cement binder mass. Rofluid P does not inhibit cement hydration at low temperatures, so it can be used at an air temperature of -5 ° C without compromising the consistency of the concrete mix. If a pre-dispersion is required, it can be used in a mixture with Rofluid H. All Rofluid products are fully miscible with each other.
The use of Rofluid P is recommended primarily for the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC) and for the production of precast concrete. Its addition beneficially affects the workability of the mixture and significantly reduces the amount of used batched water.