ICRETE: A New-Age Material Delivering Durable and Economical Concrete Solutions

Backed by Amazecrete Pvt. Ltd, ICRETE is seen as a game-changing additive for sustainable, durable, and cost-effective concrete construction. delivering performance with economy. V. R. Kowshika, Executive Director, Amazecrete, sheds light on its development from micro-minerals sourced from industrial by-products, its characteristics, benefits, and applications.

Introduction

ICRETE is a revolutionary, patented concrete additive developed from carefully selected micro-minerals sourced from industrial by-products. Available in powder and liquid form and conforming to ASTM C 1797 (Powder) standards, it represents a paradigm shift from traditional concrete to intelligent concrete. Unlike superplasticizers, ICRETE works at the microstructural level, chemically reacting with the intermediate phases of cement to enhance strength, durability, and sustainability.

Invented by Dr. Ram Kumar after over two decades of research, ICRETE was perfected through thousands of trials in collaboration with leading laboratories and concrete producers. The result is a scientifically engineered material that not only improves impermeability, reduces corrosion, and enhances durability, but also maximizes the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), making concrete more economical and eco-friendly.

ICRETE’s unique design makes it especially effective in mixes with high SCM content, ensuring long-lasting infrastructure while reducing overall cement consumption. Tested extensively by reputed third-party labs, it has proven to deliver consistent benefits in both fresh and hardened concrete properties without affecting setting time or workability.

The recommended dosage of ICRETE ranges between 0.7% to 2.5% for powder and 0.4% to 1% for liquid, of cementitious content, depending on mix design requirements. Its unique formulation ensures that it does not affect the fresh properties or setting time of concrete, making it highly adaptable for Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) and infrastructure applications.

Backed by Amazecrete Pvt. Ltd, a company founded by seasoned professionals with decades of expertise in cement, RMC, and admixtures, ICRETE is now positioned as a game-changing additive for sustainable, durable, and cost-effective concrete construction.

Benefits of ICRETE

ICRETE delivers multi-dimensional advantages across strength, durability, economy, and sustainability. Its unique action at the microstructural level enhances performance while reducing cement consumption.

Improves strength & durability: Produces stronger, denser concrete with high ultimate strength, reduced shrinkage cracks, and lower permeability to water and corrosive chemicals.
Acts as a waterproofing & corrosion inhibitor: Conforms to IS 2645, reduces cracks, and improves long-term durability without affecting workability or setting time.
Reduces cement content & cost: Saves 20–50 kg cement per m³ (0.7%–2.5% dosage), lowering concrete production depending on grade.
Enhances SCM’s utilization: Enables higher use of Fly Ash and GGBS, replacing expensive microsilica at higher dosages.
Supports sustainability: Cuts CO2 emissions through lower OPC usage, promotes eco-friendly construction, and is manufactured via a low-energy process.
Versatile application: Effective in RMC, SCC, HPC, UHPC, precast products, blocks, pavers, poles, and pipes.

How does ICRETE work?

ICRETE functions by promoting the dissolution of alumina and iron present in both supplementary cementitious materials and cement itself. It accelerates the hydration of intermediate phases in cement, increasing the rate of silicate reaction. This leads to the formation of additional binding phases, particularly other than C-S-H (Calcium Silicate Hydrate), further enhancing the concrete’s strength and durability.

ICRETE works better with more SCM loading; in other words, higher SCM content mixes perform better with ICRETE. This unique design makes it a great choice for making sustainable and eco-friendly concrete mixtures. In fact, ICRETE has triggered a paradigm shift in concrete production.

SEM images of hardened concrete with ICRETE when studied, show crystal growth, which indicates the capillary pore reduction due to such reactions in the concrete matrix. This has led to very good impermeability. Many other studies at different labs have confirmed this permeability reduction and overall improvement in the quality of concrete.

Recent studies have also shown that ICRETE is working as a corrosion inhibitor, which adds to its list of benefits that ICRETE imparts to concrete. Remarkably, ICRETE does not affect the fresh properties of concrete, nor does it affect the setting time of concrete, which makes ICRETE the first choice of many ready-mix concrete companies.

Applications of ICRETE

ICRETE enhances the performance of cementitious products like Fly Ash (PFA) and GGBS by reacting with alumina and iron to form compounds that fill pores, making concrete denser and stronger. It enables higher strengths in OPC+GGBS or OPC+PFA mixes, while allowing either reduced cement content or increased SCM usage. With ICRETE, very high loadings of GGBS and PFA can be achieved in conventional concrete mixtures, offering both economic and sustainable advantages.

A series of laboratory experiments and real-time Ready-Mix Concrete production trials were conducted in Bangalore, Mangalore, Cochin, and Mumbai to evaluate the efficacy of ICRETE against benchmark mixes. The results demonstrated that OPC, OPC+GGBS, and OPC+PFA mixes incorporated with ICRETE exhibited similar slump values to conventional benchmark mixes, confirming that ICRETE does not alter workability and remains suitable for pumpable concrete. Even with a cement reduction of up to 75 kg/m³, ICRETE mixes achieved comparable strengths. Cost analyses showed savings of Rs 50 to Rs 130 per cubic meter, a significant advantage for concrete producers. Beyond economics, the use of ICRETE enhances sustainability by lowering OPC usage and increasing SCM content. Independent third-party studies further confirmed its ability to reduce permeability and improve durability. Additionally, Ready-Mix companies reported a noticeable reduction in plastic shrinkage cracks, reinforcing the benefits of incorporating ICRETE in concrete production.

A study is carried out in which 53 Grade cement (IS 269) was used along with GGBS from JSW, Fly Ash from Ennore Thermal Power Plant, and tested crushed aggregates and manufactured sand. All trials were carried out using a pre-selected PC-based hyper-plasticiser, with consistent sources of materials across laboratory and field applications. The results clearly established that ICRETE not only enables significant cement savings, making concrete mixtures more economical, but also enhances the impermeability and durability of the mixes, proving its effectiveness in both experimental and real-site conditions.

ICRETE has consistently demonstrated its positive impact on the construction industry through numerous success stories. In one case, a customer replaced a mix containing 450 kg of OPC, 120 kg of PFA, and 70 kg of costly microfine SCM with a revised mix of 450 kg OPC, 120 kg PFA, and just 15 kg of ICRETE, achieving the same fresh and hardened concrete properties while eliminating the need for expensive materials. In another instance, for M40 grade concrete, a mix with 340 kg OPC and 100 kg PFA was optimized using ICRETE, reducing OPC to 295 kg and increasing PFA to 135 kg with 1.3% ICRETE, which not only lowered cement usage but also improved strength from 52 MPa to 59 MPa. Over the past three years, many similar cases have been reported, where customers achieved cost savings, higher strength, improved durability, and greater sustainability by using ICRETE at dosages ranging from 0.7% to 2%, proving its role as a transformative additive in concrete construction.

Recent studies and field trials have confirmed ICRETE’s ability to act as a corrosion inhibitor, providing long-term protection to reinforced concrete, especially in aggressive environments. Visual inspections showed significantly reduced corrosion on steel rebars in ICRETE-admixed concrete compared to conventional mixes, with M25 specimens showing smaller corroded zones and M50 specimens remaining rust-free throughout the testing period. The improved performance is attributed to a denser microstructure and the protective properties of ICRETE, which enhanced both compressive strength (15.45% increase in M25 and 11.47% in M50) and durability.

Electrochemical evaluations also confirmed superior corrosion resistance, with reduced macrocell potential, lower corrosion current density, higher polarization resistance, and a delayed onset of corrosion compared to control mixes. These results highlight ICRETE as a highly effective mineral additive that not only boosts mechanical strength but also extends the lifespan of reinforced concrete, making it particularly suitable for marine and chloride-exposed environments.

AMAZECURE: Curing Concrete Within

We have recently introduced AMAZECURE, an internal curing additive composed of carefully processed minerals and specialty additives that retain water within the concrete system, allowing internal curing without the need for external water or curing compounds. Unlike conventional curing methods, AMAZECURE distributes uniformly during mixing and releases moisture gradually, ensuring continuous internal hydration and consistent strength development. Its core innovation lies in acting as a built-in reservoir of curing water, which strengthens the structure from within and provides maintenance-free, uniform curing. Key Differentiators and Benefits:

Water Savings: Eliminates external water, supporting greener construction.
Manpower Reduction: No curing teams or supervision needed, lowering costs.
Simplified Logistics: No tanks, hoses, or water transport required, ideal for remote sites.
Safer Sites: Reduces slip hazards, Mold, and mosquito breeding.
Enhanced Durability: Improves long-term concrete performance.
Sustainability Impact: Enhances concrete lifespan, reduces repairs, and lowers lifecycle emissions.
Assured Quality: Minimizes cracking, improves surface finish, and ensures long-term structural integrity.
Versatility: Successfully applied in residential, commercial, industrial, high-rise, and infrastructure projects without special tools, compatible with most concrete grades.

By combining efficiency, sustainability, and durability, AMAZECURE offers a smarter, cleaner, and more reliable alternative to conventional curing practices.

AMAZECURE has demonstrated strong performance across diverse construction environments by acting as a built-in reservoir of curing water. In practice, it distributes uniformly during mixing, releases moisture gradually, and maintains consistent internal hydration, strengthening structures from within. This has led to uniform curing, enhanced durability, and maintenance-free operation.

Market Response to ICRETE

Over the past three decades, the Indian concrete industry has been receptive to new technologies, and ICRETE has been successfully introduced to numerous customers across the country. Trials conducted in ready-mix plants, including one where ICRETE at 2% replaced a popular product used at 6%, showed encouraging results, leading to its adoption even in M60 grade concrete. Customers have consistently reported satisfaction with ICRETE’s performance, economic benefits, and value additions, while Amazecrete continues to conduct trials and awareness programs tailored to unique customer requirements. Building on this success,

Amazecrete is actively developing new products, including AMAZECURE, an internal curing technology designed to eliminate external water curing and promote sustainable concrete practices. With ongoing R&D under the guidance of Dr. Ram Kumar, Amazecrete aims to introduce innovative, eco-friendly solutions that have the potential to transform conventional concreting practices across India.

About AMAZECRETE

Amazecrete’s flagship product, ICRETE, is designed to provide green concrete solutions by enabling a 20–30% reduction in cement content, thereby lowering CO2 emissions and serving as an eco-friendly alternative to materials like GGBS and Fly Ash. Developed by Dr. Ram Kumar, who has devoted nearly two decades to its research and development, ICRETE has undergone over 6,000 trials to optimize its performance, with rigorous QA/QC processes and testing at both in-house and third-party laboratories.

Amazecrete also provides readymix concrete, precast concrete, and pumpable ready-to-use plasters, and is actively developing AMAZECURE, a self-curing technology that eliminates the need for external water curing and promotes sustainable concrete practices. With India’s concrete industry open to innovations,

Amazecrete continues to expand ICRETE’s adoption through customer-specific trials and awareness programs, aiming to transform conventional concreting practices and build a strong domestic market before considering international expansion.

Reference:

VR, K., Bhaskaran, V., Natarajan, R., & Faridmehr, I. (2024). Enhancing Strength and Corrosion Resistance of Steel-Reinforced Concrete: Performance Evaluation of ICRETE Mineral Additive in Sustainable Concrete Mixes with PFA and GGBS. Infrastructures, 9(12), 228.
Kowshika, V. R., Bhaskaran, V., & Rajan, R. K. N. (2022). Increasing profits of Ready-Mix concrete by using Cutting-Edge new additive. Shanlax International Journal of Management, 9(S1-Feb), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.34293/management.v9is1.4842
Kowshika, V., Bhaskaran, V., K, A. B., Faridmehr, I., & Narayana, B. (2025). UTILISING READY-MIX CONCRETE WASTE FOR PRODUCTION OF SUSTAINABLE CONCRETE AND CREATING CIRCULAR ECONOMY. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT, 16(3), 398–416. https://doi.org/10.34218/ijm_16_03_027
R, M. (2024, February 14). Amazecrete ICRETE: Making concrete Economical & durable. NBM Media Pvt. Ltd. https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/construction-chemicals-waterproofing/concrete-admixtures/amazecrete-icrete-making-concrete-economical-durable.html
R, M. (2023, September 19). ICRete - a revolutionary material for making concrete better. NBM Media Pvt. Ltd. https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/others/icrete-a-revolutionary-material-for-making-concrete-better.html
R, M. (2024b, June 12). Amazecrete’s Icrete: new age material for concrete construction. NBM Media Pvt. Ltd. https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/construction-chemicals-waterproofing/concrete-admixtures/amazecretes-icrete-new-age-material-for-concrete-construction.html
R, M. (2024c, August 19). Amazecrete: Offering Sustainable Concrete Solutions like ICRETE. NBM Media Pvt. Ltd. https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/construction-chemicals-waterproofing/concrete-admixtures/amazecrete-offering-sustainable-concrete-solutions-like-icrete.html
R, M. (2024d, October 25). ICRETE by Amazecrete: designed to enhance the properties of concrete. NBM Media Pvt. Ltd. https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/construction-chemicals-waterproofing/waterproofing-repair-chemicals/icrete-by-amazecrete-designed-to-enhance-the-properties-of-concrete.html
R, M. (2024e, December 30). Icrete by Amazecrete enhances strength & durability of concrete. NBM Media Pvt. Ltd. https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/construction-chemicals-waterproofing/concrete-admixtures/icrete-by-amazecrete-enhances-strength-durability-of-concrete.html
R, M. (2025, March 10). ICrete by Amazecrete: A game-changer concrete additive. NBM Media Pvt. Ltd. https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/construction-chemicals-waterproofing/concrete-admixtures/icrete-by-amazecrete-a-game-changer-concrete-additive.html
R, M. (2025b, August 25). ICRETE: a New-Age material for concrete. NBM Media Pvt. Ltd. https://www.nbmcw.com/product-technology/construction-chemicals-waterproofing/concrete-admixtures/icrete-a-new-age-material-for-concrete.html

Want to connect with the manufacturer or get more details?

Get in Touch