Air-incorporation in cementitious materials: a new approach for developing rendering mortars

Abstract The use of air-entraining agents in rendering mortars has been studied for many years both at universities and private research centers. Hence, there is a wealth of information on this theme in the literature, mainly describing the EFFECTS of air-incorporation on workability, spreading, modulus of elasticity, air permeability increase, etc. However, very little information is available on the air-incorporation CAUSES which result in such effects, which may be considered the source of uncertainties and empiricism in the process of development of cementitious compositions. This study presents a review of the variables that may influence air-incorporation in cementitious systems, pointing to the impact of using air-entraining agent in water in the presence of cement particles (paste) and in the mortar.