Innovation: MasterEase – superplasticizers for low-viscosity concrete
The MasterEase range launched by BASF is a new generation of superplasticizers for low-viscosity concrete. These new agents improve the rheological properties of fresh concrete, more specifically by reducing its viscosity whilst retaining its yield point. In the conventional slump test of self-compacting concrete, for instance, this means that concretes with added MasterEase superplasticizer exhibit an identical slump flow at a similar plasticizer ratio, yet they flow significantly faster. These characteristics thus lead to highly flowable, stable concretes.
In practice, these beneficial properties become particularly apparent in the production and processing of binder-rich, low-water systems such as ECC/SCC and high-performance concretes that are often considered to be exhibiting “high stickiness”. The MasterEase plasticizer range significantly facilitates the process of producing, pumping, pouring, and finishing of such concretes. Concrete mixes can be remixed more quickly and transported more effectively, enabling a reduction in pump pressure by up to 20 %. Formwork can be filled with concrete more quickly; the same applies to the discharge of mixers. The risk of imperfections in complex element shapes and at high reinforcement ratios is greatly reduced. Overall, the concrete becomes more stable, and the troweling and finishing process is significantly enhanced by its low stickiness. The MasterEase range thus enables the safe and easy combination of reduced production costs with a superior quality standard of structural components.
