Chem-Crete ® MCE™ Advanced Crystalline Admixture for Waterproofing & Durability Enhancement
Chem-Crete® MCE™ is an innovative, multi-crystalline concrete admixture engineered to dramatically enhance the performance, waterproofing, and longevity of concrete structures. Designed for integration during batching, this ASTM C494 Type S admixture is compatible with both Portland and 1L (limestone) cement, forming a dense internal matrix that minimizes porosity and resists moisture in all its forms—liquid, vapor, and ice.
Why Choose MCE?
Internal Waterproofing:
Creates a network of pore-blocking and lining crystals that reduce water penetration and enhance concrete durability.
Freeze-Thaw Resistance:
Reduces mass loss by 91.6% and improves freeze/thaw cycle durability (ASTM C666).
Chloride Protection:
Increases resistivity and minimizes chloride ion intrusion from deicing salts—ideal for roads, bridges, and parking structures.
ASR Mitigation:
Controls alkali-silica reactivity (ASR), reducing expansion by up to 77% (ASTM C1293 & C1567).
Enhanced Strength:
Increases compressive strength by 3–13% and improves hydration efficiency.
Improved Workability:
Boosts slump and finishability without altering mix design requirements.
Anti-Microbial Protection:
Resists mold and microbial growth (MIL-STD-810G compliant).
Thermal Insulation:
Exhibits unique freezing resistance in extreme conditions, helping freshly placed concrete stay above freezing even in -50°F environments.
Now... why choose 1% or 2% MCE
MCE 1%
MCE is recognized by the Manufacture, International Chem-Crete, to be applied in either a 1%, or 2% dosage rate to cementitious weight and an optimal water cement ratio of .45. Each dosage rate would apply, whether using 1L (plc) or historical mixes containing Type I/II (opc) cement.
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Which dosage rate is right for you and your project must be considered prior to your planned pour and is recognized below. It is important to match the recommended dosage rate with the pavement protection desired and the finishing processes performed.
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MCE should be dosed at 1% of cementitious weight when –
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Slipform paving of most any type. This may include: mainline paving, curb and gutter, parapet and jersey wall, bridge rail and tunnel paving, to name a few.
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A finished surface is needed, where mechanical surface finishing, such as walk behind trowels and/or riding trowels are used.
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A highly waterproof surface and substrate is desired.
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Surface chemical ingress protection is needed.
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Wanting to reduce ice adhesion and the use of deicing agents.
MCE 2%
MCE should be dosed at 2% of cementitious weight in most all other projects, or when –
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Not slip forming.
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There is no need for mechanical surface troweling.
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Superior waterproofing is needed.
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Superior chemical attack protection is desired.
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Superior reduction in surface ice adhesion and deicing agent usage.
Pavix, a penetrating concrete surface sealer, can be used in conjunction with MCE, both 1% and 2%, offering the optimal pavement envelope of protection.
Chem-Crete ® MCE™ Highlights:
1% MCE for slipform paving.
No surface shrinkage.
Available surface finish cream.
4000lb mix design, tested at 4800lb in 28 days.
60 second mix cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
