DARATARD® P2

Product Description

DARATARD® P2 is a liquid plasticiser or water reducing agent for concrete with set retarding properties. It is particularly useful in high quality concrete where requirements of density, durability and high strength must be met with adequate workability. The physiochemical action of DARATARD P2 ensures efficient dispersion of the cement without the introduction of additional air.

DARATARD P2 is formulated from carefully selected raw materials and is manufactured under controlled conditions to give a consistent product. It is based on a hydroxycarboxylic  acid derivative and meets the requirements of Type D materials of ASTM designation C-494 and with BS EN 934-2.

Method of Use

DARATARD P2 is supplied ready for use. It should be added to concrete mixes during the mixing process at the same time as the water or the aggregates.

It should not be added directly to the cement. No extension of normal mixing time is necessary.

Compatibility with Cements

DARATARD P2 can be used with all types of Portland Cement including Sulphate Resisting Cement and those containing cement replacement materials.

Compatibility with other Admixtures

DARATARD P2 should not be premixed under any circumstances with other admixtures. While some admixtures can be usefully combined within the same mix the performance of this product may well be affected by the presence of other chemicals. We recommend that GCP be contacted for advice in all such circumstances.

Avantages

•  Effective increase in workability can be obtained in certain circumstances with an increase in strength without mix adjustments.
•  High strength mixes requiring high cement and low water contents and presenting placeability problems can be made workable without loss in density, durability or strength.
•  Where controlled rates of initial set are required, DARATARD P2 can be used to extend setting times without undesirable side effects.
•  Use of its retarding action can also be made with special benefits in concrete where high cement contents, high temperatures or excessive heat evolution are involved.
• At the recommended dosage the effect on setting time is slight and will not normally affect stripping times of formwork.
•  After initial retardation of set, rapid hardening of the concrete takes place, normally overtaking control concrete within a few hours.
• The retarding action of DARATARD P2 can be used to obtain continuous concrete pours, thus reducing the number of construction joints. This action can also be used for long hauls of ready mixed concrete to reduce or eliminate cracking of semi-hardened concrete due to formwork deflections and to allow for re-vibration of the concrete.
• Many important concrete qualities such as density, compressive, tensile and flexural strength impermeability and durability are improved by the use of DARATARD P2.

Addition Rates

Range: 0.16% - 0.5% volume by weight of cement

The performance of DARATARD P2 is best assessed after preliminary tests on site using the actual concrete under consideration to determine the optimum dosage and effect on properties such as ultimate compressive strength, early rate of gain of strength and shrinkage when these are of consequence.

As a guide to these trials, it is recommended that in concrete with a relatively low cement content, DARATARD P2 should be evaluated at 160ml per 100kg cement whereas in higher strength mixes a dosage level of up to 240ml per 100kg cement may be employed.

These rates of addition can be varied to achieve different results, e.g. increase in workability or retardation of set. It should be noted that the retarding actions of DARATARD P2 is greater in concretes containing Sulphate Resisting Cement than for those containing Ordinary Portland Cement.

For advice and assistance with your trials we recommend you consult our technical department, whose experience with the variety of aggregates and mix designs can give the best indication of the optimum level of application for DARATARD P2.

Effects of Overdosing

Overdosing of DARATARD P2 will generally produce a considerable increase in workability and a retardation of set without any significant increase in air entrainment. In cold weather this retardation will be further increased.

If intentional or accidental increases above the recommended addition rate are employed to obtain retardation of set, care must be taken to allow for the effect on the stripping time of formwork and formwork pressures. In such cases, however, provided the concrete is properly cured, the ultimate strength will generally be higher than for normal concrete.

Dispensing

It is preferable that liquid admixtures for concrete should be introduced into a mixer by means of automatic dispensing equipment, details of which can be supplied upon request.

Health and Safety

For further information see the DARATARD P2 SDS (Safety Data Sheet) or consult GCP.

Packaging

DARATARD P2 is supplied in 210 litre free, non-returnable containers. Alternatively, 1000 litre IBCs or bulk deliveries are also available.

Storage

DARATARD P2 should be stored in original containers or suitable closed tanks, preferably out of direct sunlight and protected from extremes of temperature.

Storage Life in Manufacturer’s Drums:

12 months from date of manufacture

Storage Life in Bulk Storage:

12 months from date of delivery

Technical Service

The Technical Service Department of GCP Applied Technologies is available to assist you in the correct and best use of our products. These resources and advice are at your disposal entirely without obligation. Please contact:

GCP Applied Technologies
Emirates Chemicals LLC
Festival Tower, Suite 1701
Dubai Festival City
P.O. Box 5006 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Email: meinfo@grace.com