Concrete is comprised of water, cement powder, and construction aggregates like sand or gravel. However, you might not be aware of how microsilica can be used in the mixing process. It is an uncommon component, yet it possesses key properties that improve the performance of the concrete. If you’re unfamiliar with microsilica, here’s some information to bring you up to speed.

What Is Microsilica?

Microsilica, sometimes called "silica fume," is an ultrafine, gray powder created as a byproduct of silicon production. Its raw materials include high-purity quartz and coal. It is composed of minuscule spheres—smaller than 0.00004 inches in diameter—of a glassy substance used primarily in the manufacture of high-performance concrete.

Microsilica comes in three forms: powdered, condensed, or slurry. Because of its extreme fineness, it’s difficult to handle in the first two forms, so water is often added to turn it into a slurry transportable by tanker trucks.

How Does Microsilica Improve Concrete?

Microsilica offers numerous benefits to concrete contractors. For instance, cement powder requires a lot of energy to produce because of the extreme heat needed. Microsilica, on the other hand, is very inexpensive and replaces some of the cement powder needed with a low-cost, low-energy production byproduct.

The tiny spheres of microsilica distribute moisture and construction aggregates more evenly throughout the concrete and minimize the size of pores in cement paste. It prevents concrete cracking due to heat and reduces the material's permeability to chlorides and other harsh agents. It also reduces the slab weight of concrete. 

If you’re planning a concrete project and need microsilica or construction aggregates, contact Manchester Aggregate Supply in Manchester, CT. This experienced supplier has served Hartford County for more than 40 years. In addition to fill materials, they also specialize in ready mix concrete, road sand, screened and unscreened topsoil, septic sand, and recycled concrete. Visit their website to learn more about the company or call (860) 643-5578 to ask about the pricing and delivery of construction aggregates.