For generations, curing concrete meant one thing: protect the surface. Contractors sprayed water, applied curing compounds, or covered fresh slabs with wet burlap—all in an effort to slow evaporation and prevent surface cracking. These methods became industry standard because they work on the top layer of concrete.
But modern concrete is not the concrete of decades past.
High-performance mixes, low water-to-cement ratios, faster schedules, tighter tolerances, and harsher service environments demand more from curing—and traditional methods simply cannot keep up.
Even the best surface curing regimen fails to address the deeper, hidden issue that undermines concrete before it ever reaches service: internal moisture loss.
If you want concrete that performs for decades rather than years, the answer lies in a new approach: Internal Curing, powered by advanced admixtures like E5® Internal Cure—the first admixture proven to provide true internal curing of concrete.
Traditional curing focuses exclusively on slowing surface evaporation, preventing the top layer from drying too quickly. Curing compounds form a temporary membrane. Water misting and wet coverings keep the surface damp. These steps are important—but they address only one half of the hydration challenge.
Below the surface, a very different process is taking place.
As concrete hardens, the cement hydrates and consumes internal mixing water. In today’s high-performance mixes—with deliberately low water-to-cement ratios—there is not enough internal water to fully complete hydration. As this water is consumed, self-desiccation occurs.
The result?
Empty capillary pores
Internal negative pressure
Autogenous shrinkage
Micro-cracking
Loss of density
Long-term durability issues
This internal moisture demand is far more significant than what occurs at the surface.
And here is the key problem:
External water cannot reach the internal pores fast enough or deep enough to replace what is being consumed.
Even with perfect surface curing, the core of the slab dries from the inside.
Water applied to the surface cannot penetrate dense, low w/c ratio concrete. Multiple studies and field results confirm that topical moisture rarely diffuses more than a fraction of an inch into the matrix. Even extended ponding—rarely done in modern construction—does little for slabs over 3–4 inches thick.
This means:
The surface hydrates
The core shrinks
The slab becomes structurally inconsistent, with built-in stress that eventually shows up as:
Internal micro-cracks
Curling
Warping
Reduced abrasion resistance
Lower long-term strength
Higher permeability
Premature deterioration
Traditional curing solves drying shrinkage, but does nothing for autogenous shrinkage, which is the true driver of internal cracking.
Internal Curing provides a continuous internal source of curing water that supports the hydration process for the entire slab—not just the surface. Instead of fighting evaporation, Internal Curing addresses hydration demand directly at the source.
E5® Internal Cure is the first admixture proven to deliver true internal curing by controlling the water of transport and water of convenience, ensuring complete hydration without reliance on topical methods.
This is not theory—it is verified through third-party testing and industry certifications.
E5® is introduced at the ready-mix plant and disperses uniformly throughout the concrete. It functions as a microscopic network of internal water reservoirs. The stored water does not affect the fresh water-to-cement ratio.
As hydration progresses and internal pores begin to empty, capillary tension forms. This internal stress triggers E5® to release moisture directly into the cement paste, counteracting autogenous shrinkage.
Because hydration is maintained internally—not through external moisture—E5® Internal Cure eliminates the need for:
Wet curing
Water spraying
Burlap coverings
Traditional topical curing compounds
This is validated through ASTM C156 testing, where E5® qualifies as a concrete curing compound.
Instead of a surface-strong / core-weak structure, concrete cured with E5® achieves consistent hydration, producing:
A denser matrix
Lower permeability
Greater compressive and flexural strength
Higher hardness and abrasion resistance
No. E5® Internal Cure eliminates the need for wet curing and topical curing compounds. E5® qualifies as a curing compound per ASTM C156-20 and has been verified by independent laboratories.
Less than an inch.
The core of the slab remains unprotected and susceptible to autogenous shrinkage.
Absolutely not.
Internal curing enhances strength by supporting more complete hydration. E5®-treated concrete exhibits increased density, reduced permeability, and superior performance in abrasion and chemical resistance.
Yes. According to the E5® Internal Cure TDS, it can be used in:
Pavements
Parking garages
Structural walls and columns
Footings and foundations
Civil infrastructure
Interior slabs-on-grade
Slab-on-metal-deck
E5® is compatible with virtually all concrete applications.
The transition from external to internal curing is about far more than convenience—it is about long-term durability, reduced maintenance, and lower life-cycle cost.
E5® continuously supplies curing water from within the slab, minimizing shrinkage gradients and stress. The result is significantly reduced curling and warping.
E5® reduces evaporation even in harsh environmental conditions—including low humidity, high winds, and direct sunlight—giving finishers greater control and consistency.
The E5® Internal Cure + Catalyst system delivers extremely dense, hard surfaces suitable for high-traffic and commercial flooring applications, including proven performance as a moisture mitigation solution.
Eliminating traditional curing compounds significantly cuts carbon footprint.
For every 100,000 ft² placed with E5® instead of curing compound:
880 lbs of CO₂ are eliminated.
This aligns with industry sustainability goals without compromising performance.
Uniform hydration produces a denser microstructure that is more resistant to:
Chloride ingress
Water intrusion
Freeze–thaw cycling
Chemical attack
This directly protects reinforcement from corrosion and extends service life.
Today’s concrete must endure:
Heavier loads
More aggressive environments
Higher performance expectations
Faster schedules
Lower w/c ratios
Relying solely on surface curing is an outdated approach for modern infrastructure.
Internal Curing is the new standard.
And E5® Internal Cure is the simplest, most reliable way to achieve it—without adding steps, slowing down your schedule, or depending on field labor.
The Cure to Concrete is Here.
If you're ready to eliminate traditional curing compounds, reduce cracking, improve durability, and accelerate finishing operations:
Download the E5® Internal Cure Technical Data Sheet
Review features, dosage, environmental advantages, and specifications for replacing wet curing and curing membranes.
Or, for project-specific support:
Contact an E5 Expert to review your mix design and curing plan.