Updated September 20, 1999. 930 Anti-Efflorescent Cement 2. It makes the same hard binding material, calcium silica hydrate, that portland cement makes. Unlike portland cement, Crete-Trete 930 interacts with lime to produce more calcium silica hydrate, the binding material in cement that contributes to making compressive strength. Lime in permeable concrete is the basic cause of efflorescence.
Lime is a natural by-product material produced by portland cement as the cement hardens.
As moisture works its way through the hardened concrete it brings lime with it to the surface. The lime gets converted to a hard white powder called calcium carbonate. This white blush on the surface is what we call efflorescence. Since Crete-Trete 930 converts lime to strength producing calcium silica hydrates there is little or no lime left to migrate the surface. Store it away from moisture.