Uses

• To improve the water efficiency of concrete.
• The higher the dosage, the greater the reduction of the permeability of the concrete, minimising the risk of water penetration and increasing its durability.

Advantages

• Particularly effective in improving the compressive strength of mixes containing both fly ash and slag.
• Water reduction significantly improves compressive strengths at all ages and increases durability, due to the production of a low permeability concrete.
• It allows workability to be increased considerably without adding extra water, maintaining strength levels.
• It allows specific strength grades to be achieved by reducing the cement content or increasing workability if no reduction in water or cement is made.
• Chloride-free, it is suitable for prestressed and reinforced concrete.

Standards

Conplast P509 complies with UNE-EN 934-2:2010 Table 2 as a water reducer/plasticiser.

Description

Conplast P509 is a chloride-free water-reducing admixture based on a mixture of lignosulphates and hydrolysed carbohydrates. It is supplied as a brown solution that disperses instantly in water.

Conplast P509 disperses the fine particles in the concrete mix, thus allowing the water content of the concrete to work more effectively, improving consistency. This results in higher levels of workability for the same water content, and advantages such as water reduction and increased strength can be achieved.

Typical dosage

The optimum dosage of Conplast P509 to achieve specific requirements should be determined by testing, using the materials and conditions that will be used in practice.

A starting point for such trials is to use a dosage of 0.2-0.5 litres per 100 kg of cementitious material, including ash, slag or microsilica.

Properties

The following results were obtained at a temperature of 20ºC:

• Appearance: Dark brown liquid
• Density: 1,220 ± 0,01 kg/l pH: 3,5 ± 1,0
• Water soluble chloride content (CI-): ≤ 0,10%.
• Alkali content (Na2O equivalent): max. 5 % by mass
• Main function: Decrease water content. Increase workability
• Secondary function: Setting retarder.
• Mode of application: Compatibility

Compatibility

Conplast P509 is compatible with other Fosroc Euco admixtures in the same concrete mix. If more than one admixture is used, they should be added to the concrete separately and not mixed together prior to addition. The resulting properties of concrete containing more than one admixture must be checked by prior testing.

Conplast P509 is suitable for use with all cements complying with RC-08.

Effects on setting

Most water-reducing admixtures cause some delay in the setting of concrete. This delay can also be affected by factors other than the admixture, such as the mixing itself or the conditions under which mixing takes place. Tests to check the effects of a particular mix are especially recommended in these cases.

Most of the factors leading to an increase in setting retardation are as follows:

(a) Substitute cementitious materials will give higher levels of retardation than those experienced with ordinary Portland mixes at equal additive dosages.

b) Lower temperatures give higher retardation levels at equal dosages of admixture. This is particularly noticeable if cements with additions are used.

c) Changes in cement type or chemistry can lead to changes in setting time. The amount of tricalcium aluminate in the cement has been identified as a major contributing factor in this respect. The higher the amount of tricalcium aluminate, the longer the setting delay.

Dosing system

The correct amount of Conplast P509 should be measured out using a suitable dosing system. For best results, the admixture should be added to the concrete in the mixing water or directly into the mixer at the same time as the water. Contact the Fosroc Euco Technical Department for advice on the appropriate dosing equipment and its installation.

Effects of overdosage An overdosage of twice the maximum dosage indicated may cause delayed setting of the concrete as well as additional air entrapment.

Curing

As with all structural concrete, good curing should be sought, particularly in situations where overdosing has occurred. A curing membrane, water spray or wet burlap should be used.

Clean-up and disposal

Spills of Conplast P509 should be absorbed with sand or earth and transferred to suitable containers. Product residues should be flushed away with a large amount of water. Disposal of the product and packaging is the responsibility of the end user.

Storage

Conplast P509 has a storage period of 12 months if kept in a dry place and in its original, closed containers at a temperature between 2ºC and 40ºC.

Freezing point: -3 ºC approx.

Precautions

Safety and Hygiene

Conplast P509 must not be ingested or come into contact with skin and eyes. Wear protective gloves and goggles. Splashes on skin should be washed off with water. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. If swallowed seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting.

For further information see Material Safety Data Sheet.

Fire

Conplast P509 is water based and non-flammable.