Comparing Phoscrete’s MPC Formulas
Compare Phoscrete MPC Formulas: Match the Right Product to Your Repair
Phoscrete makes more than one formula for a reason. Application type, repair geometry, and field temperature all affect which product will perform. This page helps you match the right Phoscrete MPC concrete to the job before you open a bag.
What All Phoscrete Formulas Have in Common
Every Phoscrete formula is built on magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) chemistry. That means all of them share a core set of performance characteristics regardless of which formula you choose:
- Fast set times with high early strength gain
- Strong chemical bond to existing concrete surfaces
- No shrinkage cracking and no cold joints under normal application conditions
- Reliable performance across a broad temperature range, including concrete in cold temperatures
- Easy mix-and-place workflow with no specialty equipment required
All formulas are packaged in color-matched kits: large bag kits (50 lb. bags plus 1-gallon jugs) and small bag kits (22 lb. bags plus 1/2-gallon jugs).
Please refer to this chart to learn more about the differences between Phoscrete MPC formulas.
* Working and traffic-ready times based on material and field temperatures of 70°F/21°C.
**Traffic-ready based on minimum 3000 psi (20 MPa) compressive strength.
***Use Phoscrete Fast-Set or Slow-Set Admix to speed or slow the initial set.
How the Formulas Differ
Horizontal Applications (HC Series)
The HC series is designed for flatwork: pavement repairs, bridge decks, floor patches, and other horizontal surfaces where finishing and traffic return time are priorities. If you’re doing a cold weather concrete patch on a road or parking structure, the HC series is the starting point.
Vertical and Overhead Applications (VO Series)
The VO series is formulated with sag resistance for vertical faces, columns, curbs, and overhead repairs. Standard horizontal mortars won’t hold their position on a vertical surface. VO formulas will.
High-Temperature and Refractory Applications (HF Series)
The HF series is built for industrial environments where heat exposure is a factor: kilns, furnaces, incinerators, and other high-temperature structures. This is a specialized formula with different thermal performance requirements than the HC or VO series
Choosing the Right Formula for Cold or Warm Weather Conditions
Temperature affects working time and traffic-ready time. Working and traffic-ready times are based on material and field temperatures of 70°F. In colder conditions, set times extend. In warm-weather concrete repair situations, they compress.
Phoscrete Fast-Set and Slow-Set Admix give crews control over the initial set time to match field conditions. If you’re working in sub-freezing temperatures or under a tight return-to-service window in summer heat, the admix options are worth understanding before you start.
Need Help Choosing?
Contact a Phoscrete sales engineer or use the chat on this page. Bring your application type, temperature conditions, and return-to-service target, and we’ll confirm which durable concrete repair formula fits.
For full technical specs, working times, and coverage data, see our Technical Documentation Library.