Mortar Additives

Dry mix mortars are one of the most widely used materials in building industry.  It has many different applications in both new constructions and renovation projects.  It is composed of cement, sand, limestone powder and functional additives. The additives are applied in a small amount, yet they play a significant role in improving the final mortar performances.

Cement is one ingredient that goes into mixing mortar for residential masonry work, complementing other ingredients like water, lime, and sand. Cement also comprises multiple ingredients, including silica, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, and others. In addition to the foundational ingredients, cement may contain certain additives to enhance certain properties for use in mortar and masonry. In masonry, construction often uses lime mortar that may contain pozzolans (i.e. supplemental cementitious material) such as mineral slag, calcined clay products, and sands. 

Mortar may also use a variety of mortar admixtures that further improve construction, with different admixtures working for various structures ranging from structural construction to facades.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), now known as ASTM International, lists all recognized mortar admixtures. 

The many mortar admixtures specified under standard ASTM C1384-18e1 include:lBond enhancers,lSet retarders,lSet accelerators,lWorkability enhancers,lWater repellent

These admixtures offer numerous advantages that can improve masonry work, including increased strength, increased workability, reduced efflorescence, and reduced water absorption.

Based on the materials used for mortar cement for brick, stone, or blocks, you can select different mortar admixtures to enhance the final results. The right admixtures can add strength, workability, durability, and water-resistance, among other properties that increase the reliability and longevity of residential masonry construction.