Choosing the right technology can significantly improve mortar performance, productivity and sustainability.
The performance of modern mortars depends on much more than cement and aggregates. Today, air-entraining admixtures play a fundamental role in improving workability, reducing density, optimizing water demand and enhancing the application characteristics of industrialized mortar formulations.
However, not all air-entraining technologies deliver the same performance.
Selecting the right solution requires understanding how each technology interacts with the cementitious system and how it influences the final properties of the mortar.
At Polytrade, we have developed a portfolio of natural resin-based admixture technologies engineered to address different formulation objectives while providing consistent and sustainable performance.
Why Air Entrainment Matters
A properly designed micro-air void system offers several advantages:
- Improved workability
- Better mortar consistency
- Reduced density
- Increased mortar yield
- Easier application
- Lower water demand
- Improved freeze-thaw resistance (when applicable)
- Optimized cement efficiency
The key factor is not simply increasing the amount of entrained air, but creating a stable and homogeneous micro-air void structure.
This is where technology makes the difference.
One Technology Does Not Fit Every Formulation
Many manufacturers still use a single air-entraining agent across all mortar formulations.
In reality, each application has different technical requirements.
Some formulations require:
- maximum mortar yield;
others require:
- higher compressive strength;
while others prioritize:
- workability;
or
- formulation cost optimization.
For this reason, Polytrade developed a complete platform of complementary technologies rather than a single product.
Polytrade Admixture Platform
Our portfolio includes specialized solutions for different formulation objectives.
Carbofen NCX
Premium powder technology designed for industrial dry-mix mortars.
Best suited for:
- premium formulations
- superior microbubble stability
- excellent compressive strength retention
- lower mortar density
Carbofen Admix PRO
A multifunctional liquid admixture engineered to provide balanced performance.
Recommended when formulators require:
- workability
- water reduction
- air entrainment
- adhesion
- durability
within a single additive.
AIR Mortar+
Designed to maximize air entrainment efficiency.
Ideal for manufacturers seeking:
- lightweight mortars
- increased productivity
- maximum mortar yield
Carbocrete
A unique natural resin technology enhanced with lignin.
Developed for formulations requiring:
- balanced air entrainment
- reduced water demand
- improved mechanical performance
- optimized plasticity
AIR Mortar PRO
Engineered for maximum workability and application performance.
Recommended for:
- rendering mortars
- plastering mortars
- superior finishing quality
AIR Mortar MAX
Designed for cost-sensitive formulations.
Provides:
- excellent cost-performance ratio
- efficient air entrainment
- potential cement optimization
Why Natural Resin Technologies?
Unlike conventional synthetic air-entraining agents, natural resin technologies offer an attractive combination of performance and sustainability.
Benefits include:
- renewable raw materials
- bio-based chemistry
- consistent air-void systems
- reduced environmental footprint
- excellent compatibility with cementitious systems
Selecting the Right Product
Instead of asking:
“What is your current air-entraining agent?”
Polytrade starts by asking:
“What performance do you want to achieve?”
This approach allows our technical team to recommend the most suitable technology according to:
- formulation type
- production process
- desired air content
- density target
- strength requirements
- application method
- cost objectives
Technical Validation
The Polytrade admixture platform has been evaluated through laboratory studies based on internationally recognized methodologies, including:
- air content
- density
- compressive strength
- workability
- water demand
- microstructure evaluation
- mortar consistency
These studies provide the technical foundation behind every solution within our portfolio.
Conclusion
Selecting an air-entraining admixture should never be based solely on dosage or price.
The most successful formulations are achieved by selecting the technology that best matches the desired performance.
At Polytrade, our natural resin technologies allow formulators to optimize productivity, sustainability and technical performance while maintaining formulation flexibility across a wide range of mortar and concrete applications.
Ready to optimize your mortar formulations?
Contact the Polytrade technical team to identify the most suitable technology for your application and discover how our natural resin platform can improve your formulation performance.