ICrete by Amazecrete: A Game-changer Concrete Additive

With the introduction of ICrete, we are pushing the boundaries of concrete technology with solutions that address both performance and environmental challenges.
Kowshika V R, Executive Director, Amazecrete

ICrete, a revolutionary, patented concrete additive, is a carefully selected blend of micro-minerals available in powder form. It conforms to ASTM C 1797 standards and chemically reacts with intermediate phases of cement, improving the overall performance of the concrete mix. It maximizes profitability, durability, and the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), making it an invaluable tool for both producers and engineers. It not only improves the performance and durability of concrete but also offers cost-effective and high-quality solutions for modern constructions. It is important to note that ICrete is not a superplasticizer.

In response to market demand, we have introduced ICrete L, an additive in liquid form. The dosage for liquid ICrete L (when added during the mixing process) ranges from 0.4% to 1%, providing the same high level of performance as its powdered version, but in a more convenient form.

The powdered version has been used by many concrete producers over the last 4 years, serving as a testimony to the value it adds to concrete.

Why Use ICrete?

• Economics – Producer: ICrete optimizes mix design by reducing the amount of cement used and increasing the loading of SCMs. This can result in a cement reduction of up to 20 kg/m³ to 50 kg/m³, depending on the dosage of ICrete and the quality of the cement used. The outcome is both a more economical and efficient concrete mix.
• Problem Solving – Designer/Engineer: ICrete helps meet the special performance requirements of concrete, allowing designers and engineers to achieve concrete that meets specific design challenges.
• Durability – Owner: ICrete ensures that concrete fulfills its design requirements and enhances the longevity of the structure, ensuring it lasts for the intended service life.
• Sustainability – Everyone: ICrete aids in reducing the environmental impact of concrete. In a world where cement and concrete manufacturers are striving to reduce CO2 emissions, ICrete offers a unique opportunity to lower Portland cement use to optimum levels, thus creating greener and more sustainable concrete.

How ICrete Works

ICrete functions by promoting the dissolution of alumina and iron present in both supplementary cementitious materials and cement itself. It accelerates the hydration of intermediate phases in cement, increasing the rate of silicate reaction. This leads to the formation of additional binding phases, particularly other than C-S-H (Calcium Silicate Hydrate), further enhancing the concrete’s strength and durability.

• Reduction in OPC (Type 1 Cement): By reducing the reliance on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), ICrete contributes to a decrease in CO2 emissions, making concrete more economical and eco-friendly.
• Use of More Pozzolanic Materials: ICrete can be effectively used with supplementary materials like fly ash and GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag), making blended cements more efficient and reducing the environmental footprint.

• Greener Concrete: The use of ICrete leads to more sustainable and environmentally friendly concrete, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions.
• Increased Durability: The reduction in permeability with ICrete ensures enhanced durability, making concrete more resistant to wear and tear.
• Reduction in Shrinkage Cracks: ICrete helps mitigate shrinkage cracks, which are a common issue in concrete, leading to improved long-term performance.
• Corrosion Reduction in Reinforced Concrete: Recent third-party tests have shown that ICrete helps reduce corrosion in reinforced concrete, adding another valuable benefit to its use.
• High Strength and High-Performance Concrete: ICrete promotes the production of high-strength and high-performance concrete, meeting the toughest demands of modern construction.

AmazeCure: Concrete Curing Agent

We have also introduced AmazeCure, an innovative internal curing agent that can be added during the mixing of concrete. This product eliminates the need for traditional external curing processes, offering several advantages:

• Water Conservation: AmazeCure eliminates the need for external water curing, saving valuable water resources and helping preserve potable water for other uses.
• Labor Efficiency: No additional workforce is required for curing, reducing labor costs and eliminating the need for supervision.
• Reduced Transportation: There’s no need to transport water to different parts of a construction site, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.
• Sustainable Concrete: It helps create sustainable concrete with minimal use of natural resources, particularly water, which is crucial in today’s environment.
• Assured Concrete Quality and Strength: With AmazeCure, the curing process is fully internal, ensuring that the concrete retains its high strength and quality throughout the curing period.