One of our core competencies is Surface Treatment for the construction industries, including ready-mix, precast and manufactured concrete products and cement manufacturing units.

 

Surface treatment is an economical and effective method to improve the surface layer quality and protect the concrete structure compared with other ways, such as decreased water-to-cement ratio, adding admixtures, etc. There are a variety of surface treatments that can be used for the protection of concrete. Using the correct product for surface treatment and the appropriate application leads to a longer service life, an extended aesthetic life of decorative surfaces, and a better return on investment. Firstchoice Ready Mix offers a wide range of products under surface treatment

  1. Curing compounds
  2. Mould release agent / shuttering oil
  3. Rust remover, cleaning and etching agent
  4. Pumping Aid – lubricator for concrete pump hoses and lines

CURING COMPOUND


Curing plays a vital role in the strength development and durability of concrete. Adequately cured concrete has adequate moisture for continued hydration and growth of strength, volume stability, resistance to freezing and thawing, and abrasion and scaling resistance. Even the best quality concrete can only succeed if it is cured properly.

Curing compounds are the solution where wet curing is impossible. These materials are applied by rollers, sprays, brushes etc., onto wet concrete to act as membranes, retard water evaporation while the concrete is curing. Curing compounds reduce rapid volume change in the concrete, thus reducing shrinkage and maintaining the specified strength requirements. These are suitable for areas directly exposed to sunlight, heavy winds, and other environmental influences. These can be used for curing concrete pavements, airport runways, and bridge decks.

 

Used for curing of:

  • Concrete pavements
  • Airport runway
  • Bridge decks
  • Precast concrete components
  • Roof slabs, columns and beams
  • Chimneys, cooling towers, High-rise structures

Firstchoice Readymix – Construction Chemical Division is offering the following Curing compound having a high degree of curing efficiency; FC-CUREWELL RB: Is a non-degrading, continuous film forming, aluminized, polymeric resin-based curing compound, suitable for spray application to freshly poured concrete.

 

FC-CUREWELL RB is available as a silver colour liquid. The resultant film retains sufficient moisture in the concrete to ensure complete hydration of the cement, which is essential for optimum strength development. The cured concrete is typically harder and exhibits a dust-free surface with a reduced incidence of drying shrinkage cracks.

Uses

As a more effective and economical alternative to hessian and water, and polythene curing regimes. Suitable for use on all large area concrete surfaces, such as airport runways, concrete road,s and bridgeworks

It is not recommended for application when subsequent renders, toppings, or coatings are to be applied within the degradation time unless it is removed by cleaning if insufficient time has elapsed to achieve total degradation.

 

FC-CUREWELL RB has been tested following BS 7542 – 1992, and the curing efficiency is greater than 90%.

 

FC-CUREWELL WB: A white pigmented membrane forming wax-based curing compound, suitable for curing newly placed or freshly de-shuttered concrete, assists in water retention during hydration. The resultant film retains sufficient moisture in the concrete to ensure complete hydration of the cement, which is essential for optimum strength development. In addition, membrane-cured concrete is typically harder and exhibits a dust-free surface with a reduced incidence of drying shrinkage cracks.


Uses

As a more effective and economical alternative to hessian and water, and polythene curing regimes. Suitable for use on all large area concrete surfaces, such as airport runways, concrete roads and bridgeworks. It is not recommended for application when subsequent renders, toppings or coatings are to be applied within the degradation time unless it is removed by cleaning if insufficient time has elapsed to achieve complete degradation.

FC-CUREWELL WB complies to ASTM C309 Type II Class A BS 7542: 1992

FC-CUREWELL ARB is a concrete curing compound based on a membrane-forming acrylic emulsion in water. The material is liquid and sprayable on freshly poured concrete. The resultant film retains moisture in the concrete to ensure complete hydration of the cement and makes optimum strength development possible. Membrane-cured concrete is typically harder and exhibits a dust-free surface with a reduced incidence of drying shrinkage cracks. It is also suitable as a sealer and dust proofer for floors and walls. Particularly ideal for situations where after trades, such as paints or renders, are to be applied. The acrylic-based concrete curing compound has the property of adhesion to the succeeding plaster. Therefore, it protects the concrete from water loss during the initial time of curing.

Uses

FC-CUREWELL ARB can be used in a wide range of applications:

  • High-rise construction to eliminate water curing
  • Floors, warehouses, slabs, and columns
  • Dustproofing concrete walls and floors
  • Clear sealer for concrete
  • Self-curing, primer system to subsequent coverings

 

FC-CUREWELL ARB Complies with ASTM C309 Type 1, class A, and ASTM C1315.