Liquid AEA

What is Liquid AEA?

AEA stands for air entraining admixture, also called an air entraining agent or air entrainer. Liquid AEA is UKCP's liquid version, and it sits in our mortar admixtures range alongside Powder AEA and Powder Water Retainer.

Air entraining admixtures are surface active materials. During mixing, they allow very small air bubbles to form and then stabilise them so they stay evenly dispersed through the mortar, rather than merging and escaping.

What does an air entraining agent do in mortar?

Entrained air changes how mortar behaves both when it is fresh and once it has hardened.

In the fresh mortar, the tiny bubbles act like ball bearings between the sand particles. The mortar becomes smoother, more plastic and easier to spread, and it holds together better on the trowel. Bleeding and segregation are reduced, and a workable mix can often be achieved with less water.

In the hardened mortar, the bubbles form a network of small voids. When water in the mortar freezes and expands, these voids give it room, which helps reduce frost damage in exposed masonry and renders.

In the UK, air entraining admixtures are widely used as mortar plasticisers, providing workability in cement and sand mortars in a similar way that lime has traditionally been used. Our article What Is an Air Entraining Agent and When Should You Use One? explains the science in more detail.

Where is Liquid AEA used?

• Masonry mortars for brick and block laying
• Sand and cement renders, where workability and freeze thaw durability both matter
• Site mixed mortars, where the admixture is added with the water
• Mortar production at plants with liquid dosing equipment

UKCP's experience covers dry mortars, silo mortars and concrete applications. If you are considering air entrainment for concrete or another application, ask our technical support team for advice.

How to use Liquid AEA

Air entraining admixtures are effective at small additions, so accuracy is important.

1. Dose accurately. Ask our technical support team for the dosage for your mix. Overdosing entrains too much air, which can reduce strength and bond to masonry units.
2. Add with the water. Liquid AEA is added with the gauging water so it disperses evenly through the mix.
3. Keep mixing consistent. Air content is affected by mixing time, mixer type, sand grading and temperature. Keep your process the same from batch to batch.
4. Check compatibility. If you use other admixtures in the same mix, check compatibility with our technical team first.
5. Trial the mix. Run trial mixes with your own sand and cement before full production.

Liquid AEA or Powder AEA?

Packaging and supply

For current pack sizes, delivery options and storage guidance for Liquid AEA, please contact UKCP.

Need a dosage for Liquid AEA or advice on air content? Talk to our technical support team, or request a sample to test it with your materials.