DARACEM® 170 is a high efficiency superplasticising admixture designed to impart extremely high workability to readymixed concrete and to yield excellent workability retention to enable large or difficult pours to be made.
DARACEM 170 yields excellent water reduction of concrete mixes, with minimal retardation of setting time. DARACEM 170 is based on a synthetic carboxylated polymer and is manufactured under closely controlled conditions to give a consistent product. DARACEM 170 complies with EN934 part 2 and also with BS 5075 part 3 and ASTM C494 Type F.
| Appearance | Mid brown liquid |
| Air Entrainment | 1.0% approx. |
| Chloride Content | Nil |
DARACEM 170 can be used with all types of Cements, including Limestone Cements. It is also effective in concretes containing pulverised fuel ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag. For use with special cements we recommend that you consult GCP Applied Technologies.
DARACEM 170 should not be pre-mixed with other admixtures. The performance of the material may be affected by the presence of other chemicals and we recommend that you consult GCP in such circumstances.
DARACEM 170 is supplied ready for use. When producing high workability concrete it may be added in its supplied form with the batching water, after the addition of the cementitious component, or at the end of the mixing process. It may also be added on site, directly into the truck. A further mixing cycle of at least 2 minutes is recommended to enable Daracem 170 to fully disperse the mix components.
| Range | 400 ml - 1200 ml per 100 kg cement |
| Range | 0.5% - 1.0% (v/w) by wt. of cement |
As with most products of this type, the magnitude of the effect obtained with DARACEM 170 is governed by the quantity of product used and the specific nature of the concrete and its constituent materials. It is necessary, therefore, to assess performance under site conditions using site materials to determine optimum dosage and effect on both plastic a n d hardened concrete properties, such as cohesiveness, workability retention, set characteristics, early rate of strength gain, ultimate compressive strength and shrinkage when these are of consequence.
As a guide to these trials, an addition level of 0.6-0.8%DARACEM 170 volume/weight of cement is recommended.
For advice and assistance with your trials we would recommend that you consult GCP.
The effects of overdosing of DARACEM 170 are a function of the degree of overdose
When producing high workability concrete, overdosing will increase the level of workability and may induce the onset of segregation. Depending on the extent of the overdose, an increase in the setting time may occur, especially in low temperatures and/ or when employing sulphate resisting cement or cement replacement materials.
In any situation where overdosing is suspected, a careful inspection of the concrete in its plastic state should be conducted. Particular attention should be paid to consistency and cohesiveness, prior to a decision on the suitability of the concrete for the particular application in question.
It is preferable that liquid admixtures for concrete should be introduced into the mixer by means of automatic dispensing equipment. Such equipment is available from GCP and details will be supplied on request.
DARACEM 170 is formulated from chemicals which present no fire or health hazards. If, however, it is spilt the floor will be made slippery and should be washed down immediately with cold water. For further information see DARACEM 170 Safety Data Sheet, or consult GCP.
DARACEM 170 is supplied in 205-litre free, non-returnable drums. Alternatively, bulk deliveries can be arranged.
DARACEM 170 should preferably be stored protected from frost. If the product does become frozen, it should be carefully mixed after thawing out to restore it to its normal state.
12 months from the date of manufacture.
12 months from the date of delivery.
The GCP Technical Service Department is available to assist you in the correct use of our products and its resources are at your disposal entirely without obligation.
We hope the information here will be helpful. It is based on data and knowledge considered to be true and accurate, and is offered for consideration, investigation and verification by the user, but we do not warrant the results to be obtained. Please read all statements, recommendations, and suggestions in conjunction with our conditions of sale, which apply to all goods supplied by us. No statement, recommendation, or suggestion is intended for any use that would infringe any patent, copyright, or other third party right.
DARACEM is a trademark, which may be registered in the United States and/or other countries, of GCP Applied Technologies Inc. This trademark list has been compiled using available published information as of the publication date and may not accurately reflect current trademark ownership or status.
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This document is only current as of the last updated date stated below and is valid only for use in the United Kingdom. It is important that you always refer to the currently available information at the URL below to provide the most current product information at the time of use. Additional literature such as Contractor Manuals, Technical Bulletins, Detail Drawings and detailing recommendations and other relevant documents are also available on www.gcpat.uk. Information found on other websites must not be relied upon, as they may not be up-to-date or applicable to the conditions in your location and we do not accept any responsibility for their content. If there are any conflicts or if you need more information, please contact GCP Customer Service.
Last Updated: 2025-05-13
https://gcpat.uk/en-gb/solutions/products/daracem-170