DARACEM® 208

Concrete Superplasticiser

Product Description

DARACEM® 208 is a liquid concrete superplasticiser that has been developed to allow concrete to attain particularly high performance in both the plastic and hardened states. It is particularly useful for imparting extreme workability to concrete mixes so that large or difficult pours can be made. Alternatively, DARACEM 208 can be utilized to affect large water reductions to achieve high early and subsequent strength.

DARACEM 208 is an extremely powerful deflocculating agent and performs by dispersing cement into its primary particles dramatically increasing flow characteristics of the cement paste

     

    Main applicational areas are:

    • High quality concrete for durable structures
    • Reinforced and pre-stressed precast elements
    • Bridge decks and structural elements
    • Precast or in-situ structures

    Typical Properties

    DARACEM 208  
    Appearance Dark Brown Liquid
    Specific Gravity 1.26 at 20ºC
    Air Entrainment Nil
    Air Chloride Content Nil

     Advantages

    • High compressive strength concrete especially at early ages.
    • Low water/cement ratio, excellent durability.
    • Good surface finish, providing highly aesthetic concrete appearance.
    •  Plastic concrete exhibits high cohesion, fluidity and flowability

     

    •  Savings in energy consumption when steam curing is employed

     In the latter case a mixing cycle of at least 2 minutes should be provided to ensure complete dispersion.

    Method Of Use

    DARACEM 208 is supplied ready for use and should be added to concrete mixes either during the mixing cycle or at the same time as the water. Alternatively it should be added in its supplied form to a normal concrete mix a few minutes before the pour is made.

    Compatibility with Cements

    DARACEM 208 is compatible with all Portland, Pozzolanic and blast furnace cements. It is also compatible with concrete containing fly ash and/or silica fume.

    Compatibility with other Admixtures

    DARACEM 208 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

    Addition Rates

    Range: 0.8%-3.0% volume by weight of cement

    The optimum dosage is assessed after preliminary trials depending upon the actual mix constituents and specifications required.

    Addition rates outside of the recommended dosage range may be used for special concrete applications. In such circumstances it is important to conduct preliminary trials on the actual mix constituents to assess the effect on the properties of the concrete at the dosage level specified.

    Effects of Overdosing

    Serious overdosing of DARACEM 208 will generally produce a concrete mix of even greater workability. Set retardation and a slight increase in air entrainment may be noticed. In SRC mixes and in cooler weather, set retardation will be further increased. If intentional or accidental increases above the recommended addition rates are encountered, care must be taken to allow for the effect on the stripping time of formwork. 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 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 DARACEM 208 SDS (Safety Data Sheet) or consult GCP Applied Technologies.

    Packaging

    DARACEM 208 is supplied in 210 litre, non-returnable containers. Alternatively, 1000 Litre IBCs or bulk deliveries can be arranged.

    Storage

    DARACEM 208 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.

    gcpat.uk | United Kingdom customer service: +44 (0) 1480 478421

    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.

    © Copyright 2016 GCP Applied Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.

    GCP0082-1216 DARACEM 208-UAEE

    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: 2022-11-24

    https://gcpat.uk/en-gb/solutions/products/daracem-208