A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg for the degree of Master of Science / The object of this dissertation is to develop a cost effective plasticiser/water-reducer from tannin extracts which does not retard initial strength development. Model compounds of tannins indicated the suitability of substiuued phenols for this purpose, Catechol with adjacent hydroxide groups gave a good combination of improved workability with compressive strengths equivalent to the control. Combinations with ammonia and torrnaldehyde resulted in some greatly improved performances, but also reduced stability of the additives. Urea and metabisulphite did provide some improvements ai!1ddid not adversely affect shelf life. Some of the tannin extracts tested on their own gave considerate improvements in workability and some strengths. To improve the stability of extract solutions, tannins were modified with urea, metabisulphite, small amounts of potassium hydroxide and a alcohol mixture used for pretreatment. Only the first two listed were consistently effective without producing any disadvantages. They even further improved the concrete performance of condensed tannins in particular. Small additions of TEA or its acetate salt resulted to better one day strengths of the modified tannins. Analytical techniques such as infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance were used to monitor some; modifications of the tannins and their result. A test representing early hydration conditions and X-ray diffraction provided clues to the additives mechanism in its interaction with cement. The additives performance was evaluated by comparison with a leading plasticiser/water-reducer, an independent concrete testing laboratory and conduction calorimetry by a research and testing council. A tannin based plasticiser made largely from local raw materials was quickly accepted during a recession by brick and precast manufactures . / Andrew Chakane 2018