Fosroc Auramix 400
A high-performance polycarboxylic ether (PCE) superplasticiser engineered for self-compacting and pumped concrete with extended workability retention, complying with IS:9103-1999(2007) and ASTM C494 Type G.
What is it?
Fosroc Auramix 400 is a high-range water-reducing superplasticiser based on advanced polycarboxylic ether (PCE) polymer technology, supplied as a light yellow liquid for use in modern high-performance concrete.
Where is it used?
Used by RMC plants, precast yards and infrastructure contractors across Delhi NCR and Pan-India for self-compacting concrete (SCC), pumped concrete and concrete that must retain workability over long haul or placement times.
Why use it?
Its long-lateral-chain PCE polymer delivers strong water reduction and flow at low dosage with extended slump retention, helping achieve durable, high-strength, easily placed concrete – and it supports early strength development.
How is it applied?
Added to the concrete mix water at a dosage of 0.2 to 1.5 litres per 100 kg of cementitious material (per the current 2022 India TDS), with the optimum established by site trial. It is water based and non-flammable.
About Fosroc Auramix 400
Fosroc Auramix 400 is an advanced, low-viscosity, high-performance superplasticiser built on polycarboxylic ether (PCE) polymer technology. Its molecules carry long lateral chains that disperse cement particles efficiently, allowing concrete to flow and self-level at low water content. This is one of the genuine PCE-based grades in the Fosroc Auramix range – the polycarboxylate ether chemistry stated here matches Fosroc’s official Technical Data Sheet.
As an authorised Fosroc distributor and applicator serving Delhi NCR and Pan-India, Space Arc Engineering supplies Auramix 400 to ready-mixed concrete (RMC) producers, precast manufacturers and infrastructure contractors who need reliable, repeatable high-performance concrete. The product is a light yellow coloured liquid that is water based and non-flammable, making it straightforward to dose, store and handle on busy Indian batching plants and project sites.
Auramix 400 is formulated for the demanding requirements of self-compacting concrete, pumped concrete and concrete that must hold its workability over long transit or placement windows – conditions common on metro, highway, bridge and high-rise projects. It complies with IS:9103-1999(2007) and, depending on the dosage adopted, meets ASTM C494 Type G. Where a project specification calls for an alternative high-range water reducer, comparable PCE-based admixtures in the market include BASF/Master Builders Solutions MasterGlenium, Sika ViscoCrete and MC-Bauchemie MC-PowerFlow; Space Arc leads with the Fosroc Auramix system and can advise on equivalents where required.
The technical insight
The performance of Auramix 400 comes from its polycarboxylic ether backbone with grafted long lateral chains. Unlike older sulphonated naphthalene (SNF) plasticisers that disperse cement mainly by electrostatic repulsion, PCE polymers add a strong steric (physical) hindrance effect: the lateral chains hold cement grains apart, sustaining dispersion and flow for longer. This is why a low-viscosity PCE such as Auramix 400 can deliver high fluidity and extended workability retention – the characteristic that makes self-compacting and pumped concrete practical in Indian conditions, including long RMC haul distances and hot-weather placements where conventional admixtures lose slump quickly. The product also supports early strength development, useful for precast de-moulding cycles and fast-track infrastructure. Optimum dosage is always confirmed by trial mix because cement source, supplementary cementitious materials, aggregate grading and ambient temperature all influence performance.
Where it is used
- Self-compacting concrete (SCC) for congested-reinforcement and architectural elements
- Pumped concrete for high-rise and long-distance placement
- Concrete requiring extended workability retention over long transit or placement times
- High-performance and high-strength structural concrete
- Precast concrete production where early strength aids de-moulding cycles
- Ready-mixed concrete (RMC) supply across infrastructure, commercial and residential projects
Key advantages
- Advanced PCE (polycarboxylic ether) chemistry with long lateral chains for efficient cement dispersion
- Effective at low dosage as a high-range water reducer
- Extended workability and slump retention, well suited to long RMC haul and hot-weather placing
- Enables true self-compacting and easily pumped concrete
- Supports early strength development for faster precast and construction cycles
- Complies with IS:9103-1999(2007) and ASTM C494 Type G (depending on dosage)
- Water based and non-flammable for safer storage and handling
- Low chloride content (less than 0.2% w/w as per IS9103)
Limitations & considerations
- Optimum dosage must be established by site trial mixes; overdosing can cause excessive retardation or segregation
- Performance varies with cement type, supplementary cementitious materials, aggregate grading and ambient temperature
- PCE admixtures should not be arbitrarily intermixed with other admixture chemistries without compatibility checks
- Always refer to the current Fosroc Technical Data Sheet for definitive dosage, storage and handling guidance
Selection & best practice
Add Auramix 400 to the mix water (or with the final portion of gauging water) rather than to dry materials, and always determine the working dosage by trial mix using the actual cement, SCMs and aggregates for the job. Start within the 0.2 to 1.5 litres per 100 kg of cementitious material range from the current India TDS and refine for the target slump flow, strength and retention. For SCC, validate flow and passing ability (slump flow, V-funnel) at the trial stage. Store the product as advised on the TDS and consult Space Arc Engineering for project-specific mix-design support. Always cross-check the latest Fosroc Technical Data Sheet, as published values can be revised between TDS editions.
Specifications
| Chemical base / type | Polycarboxylic ether (PCE) polymer with long lateral chains – high-performance superplasticiser based on polycarboxylic technology |
| Appearance | Light yellow coloured liquid |
| pH | Minimum 6.0 |
| Volumetric mass @ 20°C (specific gravity) | 1.09 kg/litre |
| Chloride content | Less than 0.2% w/w as per IS9103 (current 2022 India TDS) |
| Alkali content | Typically less than 1.5 g Na2O equivalent per litre of admixture |
| Dosage range | 0.2 to 1.5 litres per 100 kg of cementitious material (current 2022 India TDS); optimum established by trial |
| Standards complied with | IS:9103-1999(2007); ASTM C494 Type G (depending on dosage used) |
| Fire / flammability | Water based and non-flammable |
| Primary uses | Self-compacting concrete, pumped concrete, long workability-retention concrete, high-performance concrete; suitable for early strength |
Industry use cases
Ready-Mixed Concrete (RMC)
Maintains workability and flow over long haul distances and waiting times, helping RMC producers deliver consistent, placeable high-performance concrete across Delhi NCR and Pan-India sites.
Precast Concrete
Enables self-compacting mixes for complex moulds and congested reinforcement, with early strength support that aids faster de-moulding and production turnaround.
Infrastructure
Used in pumped and high-strength concrete for metro, highway, bridge and similar projects where reliable placement and durability are critical.
High-Rise Construction
Facilitates pumping concrete to height while retaining slump, reducing blockages and the need for re-tempering on tall buildings.
Hot-Weather Concreting
Extended workability retention helps counter rapid slump loss in high Indian ambient temperatures, giving crews more time to place and finish.
Frequently asked questions
What type of admixture is Fosroc Auramix 400?
What is the recommended dosage of Auramix 400?
Which standards does Auramix 400 comply with?
What is the chloride content of Auramix 400?
Is Auramix 400 suitable for self-compacting and pumped concrete?
Where can I buy Fosroc Auramix 400 in Delhi NCR and across India?
How we position Fosroc Auramix 400
Lead product from Fosroc’s PCE-based Auramix superplasticiser range, supplied by authorised distributor Space Arc Engineering; positioned for RMC, precast and infrastructure high-performance concrete, with MasterGlenium, Sika ViscoCrete and MC-PowerFlow named as comparable alternatives where specifications require.
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Authorised distribution, technical advice & professional application across Delhi NCR and Pan-India.