EFCA is the European Federation of Concrete Admixtures Associations

EFCA was formed in 1984 as a partnership between National Admixture Associations in order to promote the interests of the industry at European level. See membership page for details and web links to individual members.

News Briefs:

EFCA GA.  The EFCA 2008 General Assembly will be held in London on June 4th, hosted by the UK Cement Admixtures Association.

Bert Kilanowski of the German Association has stood down as Chairman of the EFCA Technical Committee after 7 years excellent service.  Rabinder Khurana of the Italian Association has been appointed as the new Chairman.

European Concrete Platform releases new documents on Fire protection and safety with concrete and Concrete for energy efficient buildings. Copies available from the EFCA PUBLICATIONS page.

Admixtures:
Admixtures are chemicals added to concrete, mortar or grout to modify the properties of the mix in the plastic and/or the hardened state. They are normally supplied as an aqueous solution to facilitate accurate addition through a dispenser. Most admixtures are classified as completely harmless and require no hazard labelling under the GHS system.

The quantity of admixture added is usually based on the cement content and for most admixtures is in the range 0.2 to 2.0% by weight.  In terms of active chemical this equates to less than 0.15% on a typical concrete mix. Even at this low content they have a powerful effect, modifying the water requirement, setting time or other properties.