CASTECHES-438
Mid-range Water-reducing and Accelerating Admixture
CASTECH ES-438 is a versatile, high-performance water-reducing and accelerating admixture, specially formulated for use in ready-mix and precast concrete applications.
Overview
About
CASTECH ES-438 is a versatile, high-performance water-reducing and accelerating admixture, specially formulated for use in ready-mix and precast concrete applications. Developed using advanced polymer and accelerator blend technology, ES-438 enhances early strength development, workability, and overall concrete performance across a wide range of mix designs, from conventional concrete to high-performance and fast-track construction applications. Unlike conventional accelerating admixtures that rely primarily on simple chemical activation, CASTECH ES-438 features an innovative dual-action mechanism. It combines efficient cement particle dispersion through electrostatic repulsion with controlled acceleration of cement hydration, resulting in rapid early strength gain, reduced setting time, and superior water reduction efficiency. This unique formulation significantly improves workability retention during placement, enables faster formwork removal, and supports high early compressive strength development, making it ideal for precast operations, cold weather concreting, and projects requiring rapid turnaround times.
Typical uses
The excellent dispersion properties of CASTECH ES-438 make it the ideal admixture for precast and ready mixed concrete where low water cement ratios are required. This property allows the production of very high early and high ultimate strength concrete with minimal voids and therefore optimum density. Due to the strength development characteristics, the elimination or reduction of steam curing in precast works be considered as an economical option.
Compatibility
CASTECH ES-438 is compatible with all Portland cements that meet recognized international standards. CASTECH ES-438 must not be used in conjunction with any other admixture unless prior approval is received from CASTECH Technical Department. CASTECH ES-438 is suitable for mixes containing: Micro silica Pulverized fuel ash Ground granulated blast furnace slag cement.
Benefits
Benefits
High water reduction efficiency
Accelerated early strength development
Reduced setting time
Improved workability and flow
Enhanced surface finish
Faster formwork removal
- Increased production efficiency for precast plants
- Improved durability and density of concrete
- Compatible with most cement types and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs)
The contractor / applicator
- Easier placing and faster strength development
- Improved concrete surfaces
The engineer
- Assurance that concrete meets original specification
- High quality durable concrete
Advantages
During mixing and placement
- High workability without segregation or bleeding
- Can be placed and compacted in congested reinforcement
- Reduced labor requirement
- Improved surface finish
- Chloride free
Effect on hardened concrete properties
- Increased early and ultimate compressive strengths
- Increased flexural strength
- Higher E modulus
- Improved adhesion to reinforcing and stressing steel
- Better resistance to carbonation
- Lower permeability
- Better resistance to aggressive atmospheric conditions
- Reduced shrinkage and creep
Increased durability
Technical data
| Consistence | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Colour | Light Yellow |
| Chloride According to EN 934-2 | Nil |
| Classification According to | Type E and |
| ASTM C494 and ASTM C1017 | Type F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.07±0.02@ 25 0 C |
| Air Entrainment | Less than 1.9% |
| pH (ISO 4316) | 4.0±2 |
| Alkali Content (EN 480-12) (%) | < 3 |
Typical values. Refer to the TDS for full details and test conditions.
Application
Dosage
The normal dosage for CASTECH ES-438 is between 0.5% and 2.0% per 100 kg of cement (cementitious material). Dosages outside this range are permissible subject to trial mixes.
Application
HPS-002 is a ready to use admixture that is added to the concrete at the time of batching. The maximum effect is achieved when the CASTECH ES-438 is added after the addition of 70% to 80% of the water. CASTECH ES-438 must not be added to the dry materials. Thorough mixing is essential and a minimum mixing cycle, after the addition of the CASTECH ES-438, of 90 seconds for forced action mixers is recommended.
Curing
As with all structural concrete, normal curing methods apply.
Packaging & storage
Packaging
CASTECH ES-438 is available in IBC, 210-liter drums and in bulk tanks upon request.
Storage & shelf life
CASTECH ES-438 should be protected from extreme temperature. Should the material become frozen, it must be completely thawed and thoroughly mixed before use. CASTECH ES-438 has a minimum shelf life of 6 months provided temperature is kept within range 5 o C to 30 0 C.
Health & safety
Health & Safety
CASTECH ES-438 is non-toxic. Any splashes to the skin should be washed immediately with water. Splashes to the eyes should be washed immediately with water and medical advice should be sought.