Synthesis, characterization and mechanism of polycarboxylate superplasticizer with slump retention capability

Two kinds of slump-retaining polycarboxylate superplasticizer with different molecular structures were synthesized via maleic anhydride(MAH), polyethylene glycol monoallyl ether(APEG) and hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA)/ethyl acrylate (EA) according to molecular structure design principle. The comprehensive performances of each slump-retaining polycarboxylate superplasticizer were analyzed and compared with that of different molecular structure. The Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), surface tension, zeta potential, adsorption behavior, cement paste fluidity and application performance in concrete were measured. And the slump retention mechanism was analyzed. The results show that the polycarboxylate superplaticizer with hydroxyethyl group prepared in this study has good dispersing performance and high slump retention capability for concrete.