Analysis of mortar coating with different types and proportions of chemical admixtures that have water retentivity properties

Abstract

Water retaining agents are the main admixtures used to retain water against evaporation and substrate suction, and there are several chemical compounds for this purpose. To deepen the knowledge of mortar admixtures, several concentrations (0%, 1.5%, 5%, 10% and 15%) of three different types of admixtures were studied: an acrylic polymer, a cellulosic and ethylene vinyl acetate. Fresh properties (consistency, water retention, density and incorporated air), physical indexes (density and porosity) and compressive strength at 28 days were analyzed. It has been found that admixtures can act in different ways on mortars depending on the type of chemical agent used and can significantly affect the mechanical and durability characteristics in the fresh and hardened state. With this work it was verified the importance of searching references about the influence of chemical compounds before using it.