Adsorption properties of polycarboxylate ether-based high range water reducing admixture on cementitious systems: A review

Abstract Adsorption of polycarboxylateether-based water-reducing admixtures (PCE) on the cement surface affects many properties of cementitious systems, especially fluidity. One of the most important parameters affecting the adsorption behavior of PCE is the anionic group properties. Therefore, understanding the anionic group properties of PCE is of great importance for cement-admixture compatibility. In this study, the effects of PCE's anionic group variation and cement properties on cement-admixture compatibility, especially adsorption, were reviewed based on the studies conducted in the literature. It was observed that phosphate and organo-silane substituted PCEs at certain rates have a positive influence on the fresh state properties of cementitious systems due to adsorption improvement and sulfate resistance. In addition, the fresh state properties of the cementitious system were negatively affected as the C3A content and the increment in fineness of the cement increased the admixture requirement. It was emphasized that the effect of pozzolan utilization on the adsorption properties of PCE in cementitious systems should be considered. Information was given about the properties of PCE recommended for use in the presence of pozzolan.