Sikament NN is a dual-function solution that is both a superplasticizer used to produce fluid concrete and a significant water-reducing agent to help concrete achieve high initial and final strength; increases workability when pouring concrete for thin structures with dense reinforcement.

What is water reducing concrete admixture?

Concrete additives are currently one of the indispensable materials in construction works. In which, water-reducing concrete additives are one of the concrete additives that are quite popular and widely used. So what are water-reducing concrete additives? How do water-reducing concrete additives work? So let's learn more about this issue in the article!

Water-reducing concrete admixture is a concrete admixture that accelerates the solidification of concrete mixtures. This type of admixture can improve the deformation rate of mortar and concrete under the action of concrete compaction, reducing the surface tension or interfacial tension of liquid.

• Water-reducing admixtures have the effect of accelerating the hardening of concrete mixtures. The effect of the admixture is expressed at different levels depending on the properties of the cement as well as the dosage used.
• Be careful as overdosing will significantly slow down the water reducing time of the additive.
• Water-reducing admixtures for concrete are often used in the following cases: construction in hot weather, long-distance concrete transportation, ready-mixed concrete, pumped concrete, shotcrete, etc.
• A water-reducing admixture that quickly hardens concrete, while also producing high-strength concrete. With that feature, no other product has it, but it is the high-grade water-reducing admixture Sikament NN.

Introduction to concrete water reducing admixture Sikament NN

• Product code: Sikament NN
• Origin: Vietnam
• Manufacturer: Sika
• Physical form: Liquid
• Color: Dark brown
• Packaging: 5 liter can – 25 liter – 200 liter drum – 1000 liter tank
• Shelf Life: Minimum 1 year if stored properly in unopened original container
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, shady, clean place and away from sunlight.

Technical specifications of high-grade water-reducing additives

• Origin of Sikament NN additive: Naphthalene Formaldehyde Sulfonate
• Volumetric weight: 1.19 – 1.22kg/liter
• Chloride content: None
• Dosage: 0.6 – 2 liters/100 kg of cement

Outstanding advantages of Sikament NN water reducing additive for concrete

Talking about the advantages of water-reducing concrete additives, those in the construction industry certainly understand its uses. Sikament NN water-reducing concrete additives have:

• Is a superplasticizer used to produce fluid concrete.
• As a significant water reducing agent for concrete to achieve high early and ultimate strength
• Sikament NN admixture allows water reduction during mixing to obtain the same workability, or increased workability with the same water content.
• Helps increase workability when pouring concrete for thin structures with dense reinforcement
• Reduces surface tension, separation between solid and liquid phases, reducing the thickness of the water film surrounding the solid phase.
• Good bonding, concrete does not segregate
• Increases the final strength of concrete, has high plasticity to increase the workability of concrete
• Minimizes shrinkage, increases water resistance
• Chloride free, does not corrode steel.
• Allows for significant reduction in cement content and water content compared to conventional concrete.
• Sikament NN high-grade water-reducing and rapid-setting superplasticizer helps reduce up to 30% of concrete mixing water.
• The cost is not too high, the quality is good and it is effective during use.
• The additives do not contain toxic substances; nor do they pollute the environment.

Application fields of Sikament NN fast-setting concrete additive

Sikament NN is used as a water reducing agent to help concrete achieve high early strength such as:

• Precast and prestressed concrete structures.
• Bridges and cantilever structures
• Concrete pipes, concrete pillars by centrifugal casting technology
• And where the mold needs to be turned around early.

In addition, Sikament NN is used as a superplasticizer for the production of flowing concrete for:

• Concrete floors and foundations
• Bridge piers, abutments, retaining walls, concrete columns
• Thin members with thick steel density

The most detailed steps to use water-reducing admixture for concrete Sikament NN

Because of the benefits and effects of additives on concrete and mortar, more and more projects use this type of additive. When using Sikament NN, you must also pay attention to the following issues:

Step 1: Construction tools

• Protective clothing
• Wear rubber gloves
• Wear mask and glasses
• Concrete additives Sikament NN
• And other necessary tools

Step 2: Prepare to clean the surface

With concrete construction using high-grade water-reducing additive Sikament NN. In the preparation process before pouring concrete, you need to prepare to perform the following steps accurately:

• Prepare, calculate, and ensure machinery and equipment for the process.
• Calculate materials and Sikament NN additives needed for the entire project.
• Time
• Ensure safety during construction during the process of pouring concrete columns, beams, and floors.
• Clean, rinse thoroughly and make sure the surface is dry.

Step 3: Mixing ratio

• Dosage: 0.60 – 2.00 liters/100 kg of cement
• Typical dosage: 0.80 – 1.20 liters/100 kg of cement.
• Use suitable mixer and do not mix by hand, sika concrete curing compounds should be used.
• Can be combined with all additives Sikament, Sika Aer, Sika Pump, Sikacrete PP1
• But they must be added to the mix separately and the additives must not be pre-mixed before being added to the mix.
• Cement Type: All Portland cements including sulfate resistant cements.
• Typical mix:

Step 4: Quantify

• Sikament NN admixture can be added to the metered water before being added to the dry concrete mix.
• Or add it separately to the wet concrete mix and mix for at least 1 minute for each cubic meter of concrete.
• When added directly to freshly mixed concrete, the plasticizing effect is more pronounced.
• When added at the construction site, add sikament NN immediately before pouring concrete and after mixing for an additional 3 minutes.

Overdose

• Significant overdose will increase the fluidity of the cement paste and prolong the setting time of the concrete.
• To avoid separation or segregation, wait until slump has reduced to the specified level before pouring concrete.

Notes when using superplasticizer to reduce water for concrete

• Be sure to follow the manufacturer's mixing ratio instructions to avoid counterproductive effects.
• Although concrete with superplasticizer can be self-leveling, it still needs to be compacted.
• Because cement has a certain degree of plasticity and flexibility, the formwork must be made very tight during the process to avoid the cement from flowing.
• If compared to when no additives are used, the setting time is extended by 2-3 hours, then additives can be added at the mixing station.

Thus, it is undeniable that the power of Sikament NN additive for concrete is very great. However, when using this additive, please pay special attention to the above notes.

Conditions to ensure safety and health

• Keep Sikament NN out of reach of children.
• Must wear protective clothing, gloves, mask and glasses during construction.
• Do not let additives come into contact with eyes, nose and skin.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke during use.
• Do not pour additives into water sources, sewers, or soil.
• Avoid contact with food and household items.
• After use, dispose of trash in accordance with local regulations.
• If contact occurs, rinse immediately with clean water.
• Or if you have any unusual symptoms, see your doctor for timely diagnosis.