Concrete curing is the process of maintaining adequate moisture inside the concrete to prevent the hydration of concrete. The curing of the concrete is also important so that the concrete develops appropriate strength and durability.
The curing happens on an immediate basis once the concrete is placed and finished and involves specific temperature and atmospheric conditions for a longer period. The cement concrete becomes dry in case of hot temperatures as the moisture and water content inside the concrete gets dried up faster.
The appropriate moisture is necessary for concrete hydration, resistance to freezing and thawing, and the ability to resist abrasion and scaling.
The important thing in cement curing is that moisture must be present inside the cement concrete, especially at the top of the surface. If the moisture and water content inside the concrete vanishes or evaporates, then it may lead to cracks in the concrete. Also, the strength of the concrete is reduced if moisture is lost inside the concrete.
What is concrete compound curing?
A concrete curing compound is a compound that helps retain the moisture inside the concrete and is also useful for the hydration of cement. There is a need that precautions to be taken while maintaining the moisture inside the concrete. Adequate strength can be gained inside the concrete in case the proper curing is done of the concrete.
Concrete curing compound Types:
- Synthetic resin compound
- Wax compound
- Acrylic compound
- Chlorinated rubber compound
Let’s discuss the types of curing compounds in detail:
Synthetic resin concrete curing compound:
This kind of compound forms a membrane over the concrete. If the plastering needs to be done over it, then in that case the membrane can be removed by washing it with the help of hot water.
Acrylic concrete curing compound:
This compound is a polymer of acrylic acid that seals the concrete. The compound can adhere to subsequent plaster so that it does not need to be washed with hot water to be used as a plaster. The curing compound for plaster is used to extract maximum gain in strength and density.
Wax concrete curing compound:
Because of the mixture of resin and wax, most of the compounds have similar properties, but the wax membranes cease to operate after a while and become inefficient.
Chlorinated curing compound:
The chlorinated curing compound forms a thick layer that seals the concrete tightly and fills the small pores present inside the concrete. The chlorinated curing compound, however, has the disadvantage of not being effective for a longer time.
Properties of concrete curing compound:
- Water retention
- Reflectance
- Drying period
- Long term setting
- Non-volatile matter
Application Process of concrete curing compound:
After application to the fresh concrete, it has formed a membrane that helps in retaining the moisture inside the concrete. Thus, curing takes place.
When the fresh concrete is applied with the curing compound, then it forms a white or grey color over the concrete. The curing compound has natural resins, waxes, synthetic resins, and high-volatility solvents. These materials help in checking the curing area and providing heat reflectance.
Once the surface has been hydrated, the curing compounds are applied, and at the same time water, which has worked its way inside, vanishes. The curing compounds are sprayed with the help of curing compound sprayer which helps in spreading the compounds over the concrete with constant pressure.
The surfaces on which an additional layer of concrete is going to be applied then in that case those surfaces should not be treated with the curing compound.
Uses for concrete curing compounds:
- Concrete surfaces can be cured with the help of curing compounds if wet curing is not possible.
- When the concrete surface is exposed to sunlight or wind then in that case curing becomes difficult. Thus, the curing compound can be beneficial in curing the concrete surface.
- The strength of the concrete structures can be improved with the help of curing.
- The curing compound can help fix canal lining and dams.
- The various parts of the structure of a building like columns, beams, and slabs can be cured with the help of a concrete curing compound.
- The membrane can be easily removed once complete curing is done.
Best Curing Compounds of Sakshi Chem Sciences include:
- Addage Bondcote CC [Wax based]
- Addage Bondcote CCARB [Aluminium resin based]
- Addage Bondcote CCARB [Solvent based]
Below are the descriptions of each of the products of Sakshi Chem Sciences Pvt Ltd
Addage Bondcote CC [Wax based]
The wax-based curing compound is designed to retain the moisture of the concrete and to enable comprehensive curing of the concrete. The wax-based product is best suited for infrastructure projects like roads, highways, flyovers, and runways of airports. Etc.
Avoiding the loss of moisture is essential inside the concrete. The compound is also useful to reduce permeability in the concrete and to produce a durable and dust-free surface.
Addage Bondcote CCARB [Aluminium resin based]
This is a water-based curing compound used for concrete, bridges, runways & roads. This product can be directly spread over the cementitious surface and forms a thin silvery film. It is a non-penetrated coating that prevents the loss of moisture inside the concrete, ensures better cement hydration, improves durability, and reduces shrinkage of the concrete.
Addage Bondcote CCARB [Solvent based]
The solvent-based compound is sprayed over the surface of the concrete. The compound forms a thin membrane over the concrete and thus helps in the retention of the moisture inside the concrete. It helps in the effective curing of the compound.
It helps in decreasing moisture loss which helps in getting better surface quality. The compound is also applicable to reduce the concrete’s permeability, giving a dust-free, hard-wearing, smooth surface. This solvent-based compound helps in reducing the shrinkage and cracks in concrete.
Conclusion:
Thus, concrete curing material is of great use in the construction industry as it helps in increasing the strength of the concrete. It also helps in avoiding cracks & shrinkage in concrete.
In case of hot weather or places with high winds, the concrete gets dried very fast. Then in that case the concrete curing compound plays an important role in maintaining the moisture inside the concrete and prevents hydration.
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