Plasticizer is a reinforcing additive for floor pouring, which increases the level of plasticity and spreadability of the building mix, increases its density and uniformity.
The plasticizer for the warm floor simplifies the process of its leveling, making the surface smoother and more aesthetically pleasing.
The main function of this component is to improve the solubility of cement clinker and enhance the interaction with cement particles.
During the chemical reaction, these particles diverge in different directions, the amount of air pores decreases, the percentage of water content decreases, and the mixture becomes plasticized.
Content:
- Advantages and properties of plasticizer
- Basics of plasticizers for warm floors
- Where to buy and what are the prices?
Advantages and properties of plasticizer
The plasticizer for floor screed serves as the basis for multifunctional compositions and dry mixes used in construction.
Video:
It is added to mortars and concretes, including cellular ones, which have high performance characteristics.
The plasticizer for floor screed has the following useful properties:
- performs the function of an inhibitor that slows down corrosive processes provoked by high chlorine concentration;
- allows to produce high-density, impermeable concretes for water;
- with the addition of small doses provides an exceptional increase in strength, without affecting the remaining characteristics of the final product, in particular porosity and permeability;
- plays the role of antifreeze admixture, providing protection at temperatures up to -25C;
- in the presence of a potassium nitrate in the concrete, the plasticizer acts as its neutralizer, preventing its formation;
- accelerates the process of setting Portland cement containing a small amount of soluble alkali.
It must be remembered that the plasticizer for the screed of the warm floor is an incredibly complex chemical substance that can behave differently under different conditions.
When using it, it is extremely important to follow the instructions and add to the solution the amount of plasticizer that is indicated therein.
Effect of plasticizer on concrete:
- shortens the setting time after completion of work, especially when leveling floorboards or reclaiming pre-fabricated elements;
- reduces the pressure in the case of subsequent mixing of the solution;
- provides accelerated solidification of solutions with a high percentage of water;
- for prolonged transport of liquid cement, which contains a plasticizer, the solution can be activated by adding potassium nitrate to it;
- when used in the cold prevents premature hardening due to significant heat generation due to the hydration process;
- provides self-compacting hydraulic concrete with high strength characteristics.
The plasticizer helps to increase the strength of the product for compression, and also accelerates the formation of this strength, so the molding of concrete products can be carried out in twelve hours, without fear of the formation of chips and other defects.
In some cases even the use of cement of lower grades is permissible.
Basics of application of plasticizers for warm floors
To date, the industry produces several types of additives that improve the characteristics of the concrete solution: liquid and dry plasticizers, reinforcing polyamide fiber, antifreeze.
They accelerate the process of solidification of the solution, increase ductility, and the antifreeze additive allows to work with concrete even in conditions of negative air temperature.
When using a water-heated floor, a plasticizer is used to prevent the formation of voids in the concrete mass.
Video:
Due to the fact that the solution is poured directly onto the pipes, it is extremely important that the screed be able to withstand heavy loads, without allowing mechanical damage to the pipeline.
Therefore, the concrete layer above the pipes must have a thickness of at least 25 mm.
The plasticizer for the warm water floor in this case gives the solution more elasticity, which simplifies the surface leveling process.
When laying systems for electric underfloor heating, the requirements regarding the strength characteristics of the screed are not as stringent, however, it must also have a high degree of reliability to prevent damage to the heating system.
The plasticizer for the warm floor increases the strength of the finished floors, prevents their deformation after drying.
The main applications of the plasticizer:
- In the concrete mix, the plasticizer for concrete for the warm floor is introduced simultaneously with other components: cement, water and aggregate;
- Thereafter, all the ingredients are mixed thoroughly in the mixer for about an hour and a half until the cement slurry reaches the consistency of the homogeneous slurry;
- The resulting mixture can be used to fill floors in private houses, industrial premises, other buildings and structures. In order to achieve a high quality of the finished work, it is necessary to monitor the uniform distribution of the solution along the surface of the substrate;
- One of the main conditions that will ensure the reliability and durability of the floors is to allow them to freeze well before use. So, a week after pouring on the floor you can already walk, in two - to install furniture and various equipment. Completely the process of drying and hardening of the floor ends one month after it is poured.
Where to buy and what are the prices?
Buy plasticizer for the warm floor you can on the Internet or in a specialized construction store in your city.
This construction additive is also sold in construction markets. If you are interested in the price, the plasticizer for the warm floor can cost in the amount of 50 to 150 rubles per kg.
For 1 kg of the mixture, you may need from 2 to 10 g of this component, depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the plasticizer.
Product consumption ArmMix Thermoplast and Sanpol is 2 g per 1 kg of the mixture, and the cost is 100-120 rubles.per kg.
The Rehau plasticizer is used in an amount of 10 g per kg of the mixture, and its cost is similar to that of previous manufacturers.
When selecting, always consider the amount of work and the type of mixture to which the plasticizer will be added.
