OPTEC® EC-640 is used for the production of coloured concrete products from no-slump or semi-dry concrete. The main fields of application include the production of paver blocks, kerbstones or slabs.
Surface-active substances effect a better dispersion of the cement particles. The concrete becomes more homogenous and easier to compact, thereby increasing both, green strength and ultimate strength. Close textured surfaces are promoted by the formation of slurries on the surface during vibration.
The integral hydrophobic components make the capillary pores water-repellent. The combined action of a denser concrete matrix, water repellency of capillary pores and plasticizing, the transport of moisture is reduced in the capillaries. Thus, the dissolved calcium hydroxide can only migrate in small quantities to the surface resulting in a reduced tendency to effloresce.
Finished products are more uniform and more intense in colours.
OPTEC® EC-640 is added with the gauging water, or to the readymix.
The concrete should be run as moist as possible in the block making machine in order to even increase the effect of OPTEC® EC-640
Preliminary tests according to official national standards are always required before use!
| Effective component | Surfactants |
| Form | Liquid |
| Colour | Dark brown |
| Density | 1.01 ± 0.01 g/cm3 |
| Freezing point | Approx. 0OC |
| pH-value | 10.0 ± 1 |
| Storage | Keep well closed in original containers. Keep well closed. Protect from excessive heat and frost. |
| Recommended dosage | 3–4 ml/kg CEM Approx. 0.3–0.4 % of CEM |
| Delivery form | 1010 kg containers; 200 kg drums; 23 kg cans |
| Physiological effect | May irritate skin and eyes; see MSDS. |
| Shelf-life | Approx. 12 month in closed original containers |
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.
OPTEC 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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GCP Applied Technologies (UK) Ltd, Gate St, Dukinfield SK16 4RU.
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/masonry-and-hardscape-solutions/optec-ec-640