ECC Admixture /13.6 kg

Buddy Rhodes ECC (Engineered Cementitious Composite) Admixture is a polymer modified, multi component additive package that was originally developed for use in seismic zones. When added to
locally sourced portland cement and sand, it will provide strength, premium working characteristics, and durability similar to our ECC Preblended Mix.

The strength and ductility of our ECC recipes comes from the combination of particle gradation and the addition of a high dosage of fiber. From a creative standpoint, ECC can be mixed to unique workabilities, allowing
for many variations in finish. The use of this admixture eliminates the need for curing polymers, pozzolans, defoamers, and shrinkage reducers. ECC Admixture provides maximum performance at minimal weight, reducing
shipping costs and other concerns related to comparable products.

Coverage: 0.5 m2 at 2.5 cm thick for every 22.68 kg - Density 1,762 - 2,082 kg/m3

Preparation - Getting Ready to Mix

Have all ingredients assembled before you start. Wear vinyl or nitrile gloves and protective eye wear. Use an accurate scale for weighing components. Use materials between 10° C and 32° C. Colder temperatures
will slow the reaction and warmer temperatures will accelerate it

Once the temperature of the mix reaches 21° C, the reaction begins to accelerate. Using a laser thermometer to monitor, keep the temperature of the mix near 15° C. In warm environments, substitute up to 50% of the water weight with ice. ECC Admixture has a shelf life of 1 year after purchase if kept in a dry, moisture free environment. Once opened, the material should be used as soon as possible.

Mixing Instructions

Use clean, potable water and clean mixing vessels. Use a handheld mortar mixer to mix. If mixing on a regular basis or for a large project, investing in a vertical shaft mixer may be justified.

• Combine water and pigment together and mix thoroughly.
• Add 50% of the water reducer to the water. Slowly add dry
ingredients while continuing to blend. Start with sand, followed by
ECC Admixture and finally Portland cement.
• Slowly add PVA Fibers to the mix. Blend until homogeneous.
• Temper with water reducer as needed for desired consistency

If Using Acrylic Fiber:

Overdosing acrylic fibers can easily choke up a concrete mix. Some users find blending the fibers in the mix water first provides optimal dispersion. Others prefer to slowly blend the fibers into the concrete slurry later in the mixing process. Some experimentation is suggested to determine the best solution for a specific mix design.

Casting Techniques

Clay Technique - This is a stiff recipe, which can be pressed up vertical walls and into molds to create beautiful finishes. While it is quite a bit different to work with than the Craftsman Mix, you can achieve brilliant veined finishes with tremendous durability. Color contrasting veining is possible with the addition of 0.5% PVA 15 and 0.2% AC 50 fibers. The mix will hold together, keeping different pigments loaded in separate batches from bleeding together into a new color. Patience is key when mixing this recipe. Adding the fibers too quickly can choke the mix

Cast Technique - This recipe has a soft consistency that is not as fluid as the Flowable mix, but easier to move around than the Claymix. It is ideal for casting and troweling. This mix uses a combination of 1% PVA 100 and 0.5% PVA 15 to create an "oatmeal-like" full-body consistency. It is best used in simple 2 dimensional shaped forms, such as countertops. Many interesting effects can be created using this recipe in different ways during casting. It is often used in combination with the Clay mix

Flowable Technique - This recipe produces a fluid ECC mix. It can be placed directly into forms, and will consolidate with minimal effort. Use up to 1.5% PVA 100 fibers only for a fluid and strong mix that will fill into almost any mold with intricate detail.

Curing -In order to ensure that concrete reaches its maximum potential, keep the concrete warm and moist while curing. Ambient temperature should be kept at a minimum of 10°C. A layer of moist felt or fabric followed by plastic sheeting will keep the moisture from escaping. This is often covered again by blankets or insulation to keep the heat from leaving the matrix. This is specially important on troweled finishes, since plastic placed directly on them is likely to leave discolorations. Demold after 24-48 hours, depending on shop conditions.

Polishing -Polishing can be done wet or dry. We recommend wet polishing as it will provide a finish true to the grit used and it reduces the risk to your health. To maintain the cream layer, lightly polish the concrete using pads that are 200 grit or higher. The higher grits produce higher sheen. To expose your sand (salt and pepper look) or any decorative aggregate, begin grinding with coarser grit pads, progressing to finer grits until reaching the desired sheen and aggregate exposure.

Sealing -Concrete is an inherently porous material and needs to be sealed for particular environments and uses. Choose the sealer that best fits the needs of the finished piece and the skill level of the person applying it. Buddy Rhodes offers a variety of sealer options, which can be found on our website.