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Icon of wet cast concrete pouring from a chute into a reinforced precast mould, for SP20 superplasticiser

Liquid Solutions Concrete Admixtures

SP20

SP20 is a high range water reducing superplasticiser liquid based on polycarboxylate technology. It gives water reduction of more than 20% and suits self levelling, self-compacting and low water to cement ratio precast concretes, as well as mortars, adhesives and grouts.

Form
Liquid
Category
Concrete Admixtures
Manufacturer
UKCP

Key Benefits

  • High water reduction of more than 20%
  • Prevents bleeding and segregation
  • Develops very high early and final strength
  • Suitable for self levelling and self-compacting concretes
  • Suitable for precast concretes with low water to cement ratios
  • Good compatibility with OPC and blended cements and concretes

Typical Applications

  • Concretes
  • Self levelling systems
  • Self-compacting concretes
  • Precast concretes with low water to cement ratios
  • Mortars
  • Adhesives and grouts

What is SP20?

SP20 is a high range water reducing superplasticiser liquid. It is an extremely high efficiency anionic superplasticiser based on polycarboxylate technology, and its key function is as a high range water reducer.

SP20 has a very high deflocculation effect. Deflocculation means keeping cement particles separated rather than clumped together, and SP20 maintains this dispersed state for longer periods than conventional plasticisers. That gives high water reduction of more than 20%, very high early and final strength, and a mix that resists bleeding and segregation.

Why does water reduction matter?

In general terms, a lower water to cement ratio gives a denser and stronger hardened concrete. A high range water reducer lets producers lower the water content while keeping the mix workable enough to place, which is why this type of admixture is widely used in self-compacting and precast work.

Where is SP20 used?

SP20 has applications in mortars, concretes, self levelling systems, adhesives and grouts. It is suitable for:

  • Self levelling systems and self-compacting concretes
  • Precast concretes with low water to cement ratios
  • Mortars, adhesives and grouts
  • Mixes made with OPC and blended cements, with which it has good compatibility

For an economic mid range water reducer for readymix concrete and screeds, look at SP10.

How to use SP20

  1. Ideally mix SP20 in with the initial hydration water.
  2. Add this to the moist components at the early stages of batch preparation.
  3. Mix for a minimum wet mixing time of 2 to 3 minutes. Activation in the wet state is rapid.

Typical dosage rates are in the order of 0.5% to 0.9% by weight of cement. This is a guide only. Evaluation trials are recommended to establish the optimum dosage for your materials, so confirm your dose with trials and with our technical support team.

SP20 should be handled in accordance with good industrial practice. Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet, available on request.

Packaging, storage and shelf life

SP20 should be stored correctly in a dry environment between 5°C and 35°C. It has a shelf life of 2 years when stored correctly. For current pack sizes and delivery options, please contact UKCP.

Need help with dosage or mix design? Talk to our technical support team, or request a sample to trial SP20 with your own materials.

SP20 FAQs

Common questions about SP20. For project specific advice, contact our technical team.

What is SP20?

SP20 is a high range water reducing superplasticiser liquid. It is an extremely high efficiency anionic superplasticiser based on polycarboxylate technology, and its key function is as a high range water reducer.

How much water reduction does SP20 give?

SP20 gives high water reduction of more than 20%. The result in your mix depends on your cement, aggregates and mix design, so run trials with your own materials and ask our technical team for advice.

Can SP20 be used in self-compacting and precast concrete?

Yes. SP20 is suitable for self levelling and self-compacting concretes, and for precast concretes with low water to cement ratios. It also has applications in mortars, adhesives and grouts.

What is the typical dosage of SP20?

Typical dosage rates are in the order of 0.5% to 0.9% by weight of cement. Evaluation trials are recommended to establish the optimum dosage, and our technical support team can help you plan them.

What is the difference between SP20 and SP10?

SP20 is a high range water reducer with more than 20% water reduction and 20% active polymer. SP10 is an economic mid range water reducer with more than 10% water reduction and 10% active polymer, suited to readymix concrete, high slump concretes and screeds.

How long does SP20 keep?

SP20 has a shelf life of 2 years when stored correctly in a dry environment between 5°C and 35°C.
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