# Construction chemicals: Characteristics

How builders test admixtures in their own cement and sand

Source page: https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/characteristics/

What this tab covers The physical and chemical properties that set its grade, price and uses, with the commercial grades and the standards that define them.

Buyers test performance in their own cement and sand: water reduction, slump retention, setting time and strength. For building products, durability, adhesion and warranty matter more than chemistry.

#### Properties that matter commercially

| Property | Value / specification | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Water reduction** | plasticisers dosed at 0.2-1.6% and superplasticisers at 0.4-2.0% of cement mass (EFCA model EPD 2024) | Less water gives stronger concrete or the same strength with less cement | EFCA/Deutsche Bauchemie model EPD (2024) |
| **Solids content** | superplasticiser solutions 30-45% active (EFCA eco-profile 2002) | Price comparisons should be on active content | EFCA eco-profile (2002) |
| **Slump retention** | not standardised; measured by slump test over time | Ready-mix trucks need concrete to stay workable for 60-120 minutes (indicative) | indicative |
| **Chloride content** | low-chloride grades for reinforced concrete (EN 934-2, IS 9103) | Chlorides corrode steel reinforcement | EN 934-2; IS 9103 |

#### Commercial grades

- PCE superplasticisers (ready-mix, precast, self-compacting)
- SNF and lignosulphonate plasticisers
- Accelerators, retarders, air entrainers
- Cement grinding aids
- Liquid membranes, crystalline and cementitious waterproofing
- Tile adhesives (C1, C2 classes), grouts, sealants
- Epoxy and polyurethane floors

## Other sections

- [Summary](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/index.md)
- [Overview](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/overview/index.md)
- [Correlation](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/correlation/index.md)
- [Production route](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/routes/index.md)
- [Production](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/production/index.md)
- [Feedstocks](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/feedstocks/index.md)
- [Cycles](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/cycles/index.md)
- [Trading](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/trading/index.md)
- [Movement](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/movement/index.md)
- [Regulation](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/regulation/index.md)
- [Emissions](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/emissions/index.md)
- [Relationships](https://www.materialinsights.org/chemicals/construction_chemicals/links/index.md)