Product Data Sheet Safety Data Sheet Show all documents

SikaMix® BF3

High-Strength Plasticizer for Concrete Blocks and Pavers

SikaMix® BF3 is a specially formulated admixture designed to increase strength and shorten curing time for concrete blocks and pavers. SikaMix® BF3 is a ready-to-use liquid admixture that produces a plasticizing effect by reducing the surface tension of the mixing water, allowing quicker wetting and more complete dispersion of the cement particles.

  • SikaMix® BF3 provides superior strength gain and faster curing at all ages.
  • In most cases, a reduction in cement or higher cement replacement is possible when SikaMix® BF3 is used in the concrete block or paver mix.
  • SikaMix® BF3 will produce a block that has a more uniform texture and color.
  • Concrete containing SikaMix® BF3 reduces wear and tear on mold-box liners and machine parts, while enabling a faster cycling time of the molding machine.
  • Concrete block containing SikaMix® BF3 will have sharper and more defined edges and corners, with less chipping.
  • SikaMix® BF3 increases the density of block and pavers, thus increasing durability and lowering the rate of absorption.
Product Data Sheet Safety Data Sheet Show all documents

Usage

SikaMix® BF3 is recommended for light-weight, medium-weight, and normal weight block, where zero or low slump concrete is required. SikaMix® BF3 is also recommended for concrete pipes, pavers, retaining wall units and other manufactured concrete products.  

Advantages

  • SikaMix® BF3 provides superior strength gain and faster curing at all ages.
  • In most cases, a reduction in cement or higher cement replacement is possible when SikaMix® BF3 is used in the concrete block or paver mix.
  • SikaMix® BF3 will produce a block that has a more uniform texture and color.
  • Concrete containing SikaMix® BF3 reduces wear and tear on mold-box liners and machine parts, while enabling a faster cycling time of the molding machine.
  • Concrete block containing SikaMix® BF3 will have sharper and more defined edges and corners, with less chipping.
  • SikaMix® BF3 increases the density of block and pavers, thus increasing durability and lowering the rate of absorption.

Packaging

SikaMix® BF3 is available in 55 gallon drums (208 liter), 275 gallon totes (1040 liters) and bulk delivery.

Color

Clear to yellow liquid

Product Details

Product Information

Shelf Life

Shelf life when stored in dry warehouse conditions between 50 °F and 80 °F (10–27 °C) is one year from the date of manufacture.

Storage Conditions

SikaMix® BF3 should be kept from freezing. If accidentally frozen, its properties can be restored by thawing and thoroughly re-mixing by mild mechanical agitation.

Specific Gravity

Approx. 1.02

 

Application

Application Information

Mixing

SikaMix® BF3 should be added to the concrete mix with the initial mixing water, before the cement and allow for thorough mixing. Do not mix with dry cement.

  

Combination with other Admixtures: SikaMix® BF3 is compatible with other Sika admixtures. SikaMix® BF3 is highly effective as a single admixture or in combination with other admixtures. When used in combination with other admixtures, dispense each admixture separately into the concrete. Please contact your local regional office or Technical Service Department at 1-800-933-7452 for further information.

   

Combination with Pozzolanic Materials: SikaMix® BF3 can be successfully used in mix designs utilizing pozzolanic materials such as fly ash and GGBFS.
Consumption

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage range for SikaMix® BF3 is 2.0 to 8.0 ounces per 100 lbs. (130 to 520 ml/100 kg) of cementitious material. It is suggested that trial mixes be conducted in order to determine the required dosage for optimum performance with actual concrete components. Various concrete materials, slump, ambient air temperature, additions of pozzolanic materials, mixing time, and type and brand of cement will affect dosage rates. Dosage rates outside the recommended range may be used where specialized materials are used, extreme ambient conditions are encountered or unusual project conditions require special consideration. In this case please contact your local regional Sika office or Sika Technical Service Department at 1-800-933-7452 for further information.

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