Stability
Helps keep aggregates suspended and reduces mortar separation during transport, pumping, and placement.
Product Construction Chemicals
Viscosity Modifying Agent (VMA)
VMA for self-compacting concrete (SCC) and high-workability mixes—improves cohesion, reduces segregation and bleeding, and helps stabilize rheology across variable aggregates and water conditions.
Supply formats: liquid (drums/IBC) or powder (bags/supersacks) by grade
Documentation: SDS / COA / TDS (as available) on request
Lead time depends on lane, volume, and packaging selection
Technical note: VMAs are optimized by performance tests (slump flow, V-funnel, L-box, segregation resistance). Share your target class and jobsite constraints for correct grade selection.
Product overview
Viscosity Modifying Agents are admixtures designed to increase the viscosity of the paste phase and improve mix cohesion without sacrificing required flow. They are commonly used in self-compacting concrete (SCC), pumped concrete, and mixes with low fines or challenging aggregate gradations to minimize segregation, bleeding, and laitance.
Rheology control
Improves yield stress/viscosity balance for consistent flow and finishing behavior in SCC.
Robustness
Supports performance when aggregate moisture or grading varies, improving batch-to-batch consistency.
If you are already using a PCE superplasticizer, we can align a compatible VMA grade to reach the required stability and passing ability with minimal flow penalty.
Applications
Typical usage patterns. Share your mix design and job requirements and we’ll align the right grade and documentation pack.
- Self-compacting concrete (SCC): segregation resistance and stability
- Pumped concrete: cohesion and reduced bleed under shear
- Precast production: consistent rheology and surface quality
- High-workability mixes with variable aggregates/fines
- Underwater or high-slump placements (project dependent)
Ready-mix & SCC
Improves robustness of SCC in transit and placement; helps meet segregation resistance targets.
Pumping & placement
Supports stable flow and reduced bleeding for longer pump lines and higher shear conditions.
Precast & architectural
Can help reduce bugholes and surface defects by stabilizing paste and limiting bleed water migration.
Performance & dosage guidance
Use as a starting point. Final dosage should be optimized by SCC tests and your materials.
Segregation & bleed control
Increases cohesion to reduce mortar separation and free water migration, supporting stable placement and finish.
Passing ability
Helps maintain stable flow through reinforcement by balancing viscosity and yield stress with PCE dosage.
Surface quality
Stabilized paste can reduce defects linked to bleeding/segregation, improving visual finish in many mixes.
Typical starting dosage (guideline)
Dosage is grade-dependent. Common starting ranges for many VMA chemistries:
- Liquid VMA: typically 0.05–0.30% by weight of binder
- Powder VMA: typically 0.02–0.20% by weight of binder
- SCC optimization: adjust with PCE dose to hit flow + stability targets
Overdosing can increase viscosity too much, reducing flow and increasing pumping pressure—use test-based optimization.
Typical specifications & formats
Values depend on grade and customer requirements. Confirm details on quotation (TDS/COA as available).
Chemistry options
Cellulose ether / polysaccharide / synthetic polymer (by grade)
Form
Liquid solution or powder (grade dependent)
Solids / active
Grade dependent (confirm on offer)
Viscosity profile
Defined by grade; selected to match SCC class and aggregate grading
Compatibility
Designed for use with PCE and common admixtures; confirm with your full package
Packaging
Drums / IBC (liquid) • Bags / supersacks (powder) • Bulk (by lane)
Documentation
SDS / COA; TDS and compliance statements on request (availability varies)
Shelf life
Grade dependent (typically 12–18 months when stored correctly)
Logistics
Palletized supply available; export documents aligned to destination requirements
Specifications may vary depending on batch, origin, and packaging selection. Provide acceptance criteria (form, solids/active range, viscosity window) to tighten the offer.
Handling, storage & dosing
General guidance—follow SDS and plant procedures. Dosing method depends on powder vs liquid grade.
Liquid grades
Typically dosed via admixture dispenser into mix water or mixer. Ensure consistent dosing and mixing time.
Powder grades
Typically pre-dissolved or dry-added depending on grade. Avoid clumping; ensure uniform dispersion.
Storage
Keep sealed in original packaging, protected from freezing/overheating and contamination. Shelf life varies by grade.
Tip: If your SCC shows instability after transport, evaluate VMA with moisture control and aggregate grading adjustments—VMA is strongest when used as part of a robust mix design approach.
Request a quotation
Share your SCC class/targets and mix basics and we’ll propose a compatible VMA grade (liquid or powder), packaging, and documentation set. If you are matching an existing VMA, include the benchmark name or key performance targets.
Fast matching
Targets + test method = correct grade selection and dosage guidance.
Commercial clarity
Volume + destination = best packaging and lead-time routing.
Compatibility
Include your PCE type/dose and other admixtures to avoid trial delays.
Prefer email? Write to contact@atlastradehouse.com with “VMA – SCC” in the subject.
FAQ
Common questions for SCC producers, precast plants, and procurement teams.
Do I need VMA if I already use PCE?
Often yes for SCC stability—PCE improves flow but may increase segregation risk in some mixes. VMA helps restore cohesion while maintaining required flow.
Can VMA help with bleeding?
Yes—VMAs commonly reduce bleed water migration and laitance, improving finishing and surface quality in many mixes.
What happens if VMA is overdosed?
Viscosity can increase too much, reducing slump flow and raising pumping pressure. Optimize dosage using SCC tests and your materials.
Liquid or powder—what should I choose?
Liquids are convenient for dosing systems; powders can be efficient for dry-mix or specific rheology profiles. Selection depends on plant setup and performance targets.
What packaging is available?
Liquid VMAs are typically supplied in drums or IBCs; powder VMAs in bags or big bags. Availability depends on grade and supply lane.
What documents can you provide?
SDS and COA are standard on request. TDS and compliance statements may be available depending on grade and origin—request them during RFQ.