PLASTICIZER :- Plasticizers is used mainly to fluidity the mix and improve the workability of concrete, mortar or grout. Plasticizers are high range water – reducers. When plasticizers are used they get absorbed on the cement particles and form a thin sheath. This thin sheath inhibits the surface hydration reaction between water and cement.

1. Anionic surfactants such as lignosulphonates and their modifications and derivatives , salts of sulphonates hydrocarbons.
2. Nonionic surfactants such as polyglycol esters acid of hydroxylated carboxylic acdis and their modifications and derivatives.
3. Other products such as carbohydrates etc.

SUPERPLASTICIZERS:- They are high range water reducers used for producing self compacting self strength and high performance concrete.

1. Sulphonated malanie-formaldehyde condensates (SMF)
2. Sulphonated naphthalene- formaldehyde condensates (SNF).
3. Modified lignosulphonates (MLS).