How to make plasticizers for concrete from improvised means

Often when performing various works with concrete, it is necessary to improve or change its properties. For these purposes, various additives or plasticizers are used. Under the influence of these specific substances, concrete or cement mortar becomes more plastic, more resistant to heat and impact. Plasticizers also positively affect the quality of masonry of brick or stone, do not allow the appearance of cracks, reduce the volume necessary for a solution of water, remove sediment and air bubbles in reinforced concrete slabs, make adhesion of the mixture stronger and grounds. Using various additives, concrete can be delivered over long distances, while the quality of the mortar does not suffer, and labor productivity rises.

There are specialized and universal plasticizers. Industrial manufacturers produce them in powder or in the form of ready-made liquid formulations, the components of which they prefer not to advertise. Many additives are expensive, but you can make similar mixtures according to the action yourself on the basis of available tools.

Slaked lime

The addition of slaked lime to the mortar improves the application of the layer. It becomes softer and more elastic. To do this, use the ratio of lime and sand 1: 6. The mortar for the masonry will have a ratio of 1: 8 or 1:10. It also depends on the brand of cement.

Lime makes cement mortars more alkaline, and therefore softer. At the same time, their strength becomes somewhat worse.

Detergents

Using ordinary household (liquid) soap or laundry detergent gives a good result when you need to make paving slabs at home. The proportions depend on the specific substance. Typically, liquid soap or dishwashing detergent requires about 200-250 ml per 2 bags of cement. You need to add them at the beginning of the preparation of the solution. The main volume of water is poured after. Even stronger is the addition of ash to the solution along with soap from the stove.

Silicate glue or liquid glass

By adding alkaline liquid glass or silicate glue to the solution, it is also possible to obtain concrete with improved water-repellent properties. The ratio of glue and cement is not more than 1:50.

Glue

Mixtures with good ductility are obtained by adding PVA glue. It is especially recommended for floor screed. This makes concrete easier to grip on the base. But it becomes less durable, so glue diluted with water must be poured no more than 20 liters per 1 cubic meter of concrete.

The use of modifying additives in home repair and construction works makes concrete more plastic, helps to save up to 15% solution, increases the frost resistance of the mixture and increases its working time condition. The advantage of using plasticizers is that you can carry out work at any time of the year. However, it must be remembered that in this case, the strength of concrete is slightly reduced.