a- What are the main differences between plasticizers and superplasticizers? b- What is pozzolanic material; what benefits can be achieved by using Pozzolana with cement in concrete?

 Q#  a-      What are the main differences between plasticizers and superplasticizers?                                   

b-      What is pozzolanic material; what benefits can be achieved by using Pozzolana with cement in concrete?                                                                                                                                    

Solution#

 Answer A

 Plasticizer super plasticizer

          Both are different things Plasticizers are the chemicals used to increase plasticity or fluidity of a material they are added to. For example moulding clay.

Superplasticizers(water reducers) are the chemicals used in concrete to increase its usability or workability for example less water should be used to make stronger concrete but this affects its workability because it makes concrete difficult to mix now since strength is inversely proportional to the amount of water added,thereby for this purpose both plasticizers and superplastizers are used which makes the concrete much efficient.

 

Plasticizer

1.      A plasticizer is an additive used to improve the plasticity of a certain substance.

2. Increase the plasticity of polymer materials such as PVC & as a water reducer in concrete admixtures.

3. Also called water reducers.

4. Can reduce the need for water by 5-15%

5. Added 0.1 – 0.5% by weight of cement

6. Plasticizers are usually based on lignosulphonate, which is a natural polymer

Superplasticizer

 

1.  Superplasticizer is a water-reducing admixture capable of producing large water reduction or great flowability without causing undue set retardation or entrainment of air in mortar or concrete.

2. Further increase the water requirement for concrete mixtures, increasing the strength & durability of concrete.

3. Also called high range water reducers.

 

pozzolanic material

                 A pozzolan is a siliceous or siliceous and aluminous material that in itself possesses little or no cementitious value but will, in finely divided form and in the presence of moisture, chemically react with calcium hydroxide at ordinary temperatures to form compounds having cementitious properties.