Air Entrainers

Hardened mortar that is exposed to water can become seriously affected by the freezing process. Upon freezing, water expands into 'capillary voids' present in the hardened mortar and can cause cracking. Air entrainment is the process whereby many small air bubbles are incorporated into the concrete or mortar. This dispersion of air bubbles provides voids into which frozen water can expand thus eliminating the disruptive actions associated with freeze-thaw. When the ice melts, the water is drawn back out of the bubbles through surface tension (capillary) effects.

RheoActiv AE is our powdered admixture for use in the production of dry pack mortars. It plasticises and air entrains the formulation to produce a controlled and reliable mortar. It has been specially formulated for use in pre-bagged and bulk silo mortars. It imparts microscopic air bubbles (0.02 - 0.3mm in diameter) uniformly into the mortars which improves 'workabiliy' and greatly enhances the resistance of the mortar to freeze-thaw disruption.

Key Benefits:

• Improved workability & cohesion of mortar
• Greatly increased 'freeze-thaw' durability
• Reduced bleed and segregation in the mix
• Reduced shrinkage