Product Description
OPTEC® EC-855 is an efflorescence control admixture. It is formulated as a ready-to-use admixture to enhance the quality and color uniformity of low slump concrete products.
Product Advantages
- Improves color consistency
- Controls primary and secondary efflorescence
- Reduces feed and finish times
- Produces sharper corners and edges
- Improves compressive and flexural strengths
- Improves compaction consistency
- Reduces culls
Product Uses
OPTEC® EC-855 admixture may be used in plants producing segmental retaining wall units, architectural blocks, roof tiles, pavers and other low slump concrete products. It has been formulated to provide excellent mix plasticity and machinability.
Product Function
OPTEC® EC-855 admixture interacts and uniformly disperses the inorganic oxide pigments in the mixture, thus enhancing coloration by bringing more pigment to the concrete surface.
Once units are physically dry, OPTEC® EC-855 polymers minimize migration of moisture and soluble salts that cause unsightly efflorescence.
For these reasons the admixture must be thoroughly dispersed during the mixing of the concrete. Please refer to the mixing procedure section.
Packaging
OPTEC® EC-855 admixture is available in drums and totes.
Application Information
OPTEC® EC-855 admixture is compatible with most concrete admixtures. When multiple admixtures are used however, they must be added separately to the concrete mixture.
Addition Rates:
The typical addition rates of OPTEC® EC-855 admixture will normally range from 390 to 780 mL/100 kg (6 to 12 fl oz/100 lbs) of cementitious materials including fly ash and other pozzolans.
The addition rate is dependent upon the specific set of materials and the desired properties.
Mixing Procedure:
Maximum product efficiency is achieved by adding OPTEC® EC-855 admixture to the mixer after the cement has been wetted. As with all admixtures, do not add OPTEC® EC-855 admixture to dry cement. Allow at least 90-120 seconds total mix time after the admixture has been added, depending on the efficiency of the mixing equipment that is being utilized.
Health & Safety
All precautions defined on the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for OPTEC® EC-855 must be followed.
Storage
OPTEC® EC-855 admixture contains no flammable ingredients. It will begin to freeze at approximately 0 ºC (32 ºF), but can be used after thawing and thorough agitation. Do not use pressurized air for agitation.