Comb-typed polycarboxylate superplasticizer equiped with hyperbranched polyamide teeth

Abstract The well designed comb-typed polycarboxylate superplasticizer has been proved as an efficient water reducing agent to improve the concrete’s workability. However, the reliability of such an architecture is still challenged due to delay of cement hydration and the resulting weak early-age compressive strength of the concrete. Building on this, we report the discovery of a novel comb-type polycarboxylate with hyperbranched polyamide in the side chains. Compared to the original polycarboxylate, the designed “poly(amide-ester)” one shows significantly enhanced early strength of the concrete and better retarding performance. The introduction of hyperbranched polyamides in the polyester comb favors obvious steric hindrance, accelerated fluidity of cement paste and improved compressive strength, which further opens a new line of inquiry in superplasticizer material design.