NEW — Technical datasheet library now available in the Resource Centre
CM — Construction Materials
A wide variety of additives that improve the performance of construction materials — supplied by R&A Urethane's construction-chemicals division, and including (but not limited to) the families below.
ADDITIVE FAMILIES
Each family improves durability, workability or application of the final product.
Bonding · viscosity · curing
Polymer bonding agents — enhance the adhesion of construction adhesives, improving bond strength between surfaces; ideal for bonding concrete, tiles and masonry.
Viscosity modifiers — adjust the viscosity of adhesives, making them easier to apply and improving spreadability for uniform coverage.
Curing accelerators — speed up curing or setting time, allowing faster construction processes in time-sensitive projects.
Metallic · zirconium · cobalt
Metallic driers — catalysts containing metal ions (cobalt, manganese) that accelerate oxidative drying and enhance film hardness.
Zirconium-based dryers — less prone to yellowing; used in clear or light-coloured coatings for effective drying without compromising appearance.
Organic cobalt complexes — cobalt compounds with organic ligands offering improved drying performance and less skin formation.
VAE · Acrylic · SB
Vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) powders — enhance flexibility and adhesion in mortars for better durability; common in tile adhesives, grouts and self-levelling compounds.
Acrylic powders — excellent water resistance and adhesion, suitable for exterior applications and combinable with other polymers.
Styrene-butadiene (SB) powders — high flexibility and good adhesion, ideal for cement-based products, renders and textured finishes.
Lignosulfonate · organic · polymer
Lignosulfonate-based retarders — delay concrete setting for extended workability in hot weather or when longer placement time is required.
Organic acid-based retarders — precise control over setting time, often used in decorative concrete where intricate designs need more placement time.
Polymer-based retarders — combine polymer benefits with retardation, improving workability and strength development while delaying setting as needed.
Surfactant · Vinsol · fatty-acid
Synthetic surfactant agents — introduce microscopic air bubbles into the mix, improving freeze-thaw resistance and workability.
Vinsol resin-based agents — derived from wood resin; enhance the air-void system for durability and resistance to freeze-thaw scaling.
Fatty acid-based agents — improve workability and cohesion while entraining air, for applications needing improved freeze-thaw resistance.
Every product ships with its technical and safety documentation. Tell us what your project needs — a division engineer replies within one business day.