Title: Local Surfactant Molassperse CA for Production of Water Reducing Admixtures and Superplasticizers

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Publication: CIA

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Date: 2/13/2011

Abstract:
Today the production of advanced concrete in Australia and all over the world is practically inconceivable without the use of water reducing admixtures. For the wide application of these admixtures it is necessary to provide their cost effectiveness. This paper presents the new local surfactant calcium Molassperse CA which is a more cost effective ingredient for production of water reducing admixtures than imported lignosulphonate (dominant ingredient for concrete admixtures). This new surfactant is produced from molasses which is a by-product from the sugar manufacturing process and gives sugar producers the potential to provide the concrete admixtures market with local surfactants. Laboratory tests were carried out for the purpose of determining the properties of calcium Molassperse CA when used as a base for concrete water reducing admixtures and in combination with polycarboxylate for the most advanced high-range water reducing admixtures - superplasticizers production. The tests results revealed that calcium Molassperse CA has good water-reducing properties and compatibility with polycarboxylate, and also a slight retardation effect in comparison with calcium lignosulphonate.