What is microsilica and how does it affect the properties of concrete?
A. Microsilica is a very fine particle, amorphous silicone dioxide with pozzolanic properties. It reacts with lime generated by hydration of Portland cement and forms additional products of hydration. Condensed silica fume is one of the microsilica types of pozzolans, produced during manufacturing of ferro-silicones. The addition of microsilica increases compressive strength, decreases hydraulic permeability hence increasing durability and improves chemical resistance. Gemite supplies Adi-Con CSF (R), which is a formulated product, which includes a superplasticizer and polymer fibers and Adi-Con CSF, which is a raw microsilica. The latter product, when used in concrete, requires an addition of a superplasticizer.
