What is Concrete Curing Compound?
In order for cement to hydrate when building concrete, curing is necessary. Therefore, safety measures are taken to maintain the required moisture content. Concrete curing compound is a substance that aids in preserving the concrete’s moisture content. Concrete has therefore been adequately cured, leading to the complete development of its strength.
Types of Concrete Curing Compounds:
- Synthetic resin compound
- Acrylic compound
- Wax compound
- Chlorinated rubber compound
Synthetic Resin Concrete Curing Compound
Synthetic resins will seal the concrete by forming a membrane. If we want to provide plastering, the membrane can be removed by washing it with hot water.
Acrylic Concrete Curing Compound
Acrylic is made of polymers of acrylic acid. It also seals the concrete in good manner. It is having property of adhesion to the subsequent plaster. No need to wash the surface of acrylic with hot water if we want to provide plastering.
Wax Concrete Curing Compound
Wax compound have similar properties like resin compound. The wax membrane will lose its efficiency with time increment.
Chlorinated Rubber Curing compound
When applied, the curing chemical for chlorinated rubber forms a thick film. It completely fills the tiny holes in the concrete while also sealing the concrete tightly. However, the movie can’t run for much longer. It is wear out in the long run.
Properties of Concrete Curing Compound
There are 5 properties to deicide the quality of concrete curing compound namely
- Water retention
- Reflectance
- Drying period
- Long term setting
- Non-volatile matter
Process of Applying Concrete Curing Compound
When we applied concrete curing ingredients to freshly laid concrete, a membrane formed. Due to the fact that this part prevents concrete from losing internal moisture, curing takes place. These curing ingredients include waxes, natural and synthetic resins, as well as high-volatility solvents.
When we apply curing chemical to freshly laid concrete, typically white or gray colors are produced. These pigments are excellent for checking the area of completed curing and offer heat reflectance.
When finishing is complete and any remaining free water on the surface has evaporated, a curing agent is applied. As seen in the above illustration, a spraying pipe is used to apply the curing ingredient while maintaining a steady rate of pressure.
Generally, one liter of curing compound can be sprayed for 0.20 – 0.25m2 surface area of fresh concrete. The sprayer pressure is usually 0.5 – 0.7 MPa. We can also apply curing ingredients with paint rollers or brushes on small surfaces. On surfaces that will receive additional concreting, curing compound shouldn’t be used.
Uses of Concrete Curing Compound
There are so many uses of curing compound in concrete. Which are
- If wet curing is not possible, then curing compound can be used to cure the concrete surface.
- For larger areas of concrete surfaces which are opened to sunlight, wind etc. curing is big task. But with the presence of curing compound it is easier.
- Curing of concrete pavements, run ways, bridge decks etc. can be cured to reach their maximum strength.
- Maximum durability of structure will be developed.
- Curing compound can be used for curing of canal linings, dams
- Columns, beams, slabs can also be cured with curing compound
- The membrane cane removed easily after complete curing.
Testing of concrete curing compounds can be carried out as per ASTM C 309. ASTM C 309 provides specifications and testing of concrete curing compounds.
