Early strength agents are concrete admixtures that accelerate cement hydration, shorten the setting time of concrete, and significantly improve its early-age strength. They are primarily used in low-temperature construction or projects with special requirements for early strength development. Common types include chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, carbonates, and formates. Among these, formates are widely used in dry-mix mortar systems due to their chlorine-free nature and no risk of steel reinforcement corrosion.
Calcium formate (C₂H₂CaO₄) is a widely used organic early strength agent. It accelerates tricalcium silicate hydration, refines pore structure, and increases early compressive strength. In dry-mix mortars (e.g., tile adhesives, repair mortars), it speeds hardening, especially in low-temperature winter conditions. Recommended dosage: 0.3%–0.7% (summer) or 0.5%–1.0% (winter) by cement weight, not exceeding 2.5%. Excess reduces final strength or causes cracking. Note: Calcium formate alone is not an antifreeze; combine with antifreeze admixtures in winter.
| Appearance | Calcium formate(%) | Ca Content (%) | Dry-loss (%) | PH (10% solution) | Non-soluble (%) | Heavy Metal (Pb) % |
| Crystalline | ≥98 | ≥30.1 | ≤0.5 | 7.0-7.5 | ≤0.3 | ≤0.002 |
We offer various grades of Calcium formate products. Please contact us for more information.
1. Accelerated setting & early strength: Speeds cement hardening; increases 1-day compressive strength by up to 200%. At room temperature, reaches >5 MPa in 8 hours for formwork removal.
2. Non-corrosive: Chloride-free, poses no risk of steel reinforcement corrosion, and is environmentally friendly. An ideal substitute for calcium chloride.
3. Effective at low temperatures: Significantly accelerates hydration at 5°C; 1-day strength increased by 83.8%. Prevents slow setting in winter.
4. No loss of final strength: Significantly improves early strength without compromising ultimate strength.
5. Stable powder: Physically stable at room temperature, resists caking, and is suitable for dry-mix mortar production.
