Cationic oligomeric surfactants as novel air entraining agents for concrete

Abstract In this work, we report for the first time the applications of cationic oligomeric surfactants as novel air entraining agents for concrete. A series of oligomeric surfactants with the oligomerization degrees from 2 to 4 was synthesized. Using them as the air entraining agents, the surface activity and foaming properies were tested in both water and cement filtrate. The air contents and air-void parameters were also tested in both cement mortars and concretes. The results show that the oligomeric surfactants have higher performance compared with their monomeric analogue and traditional air entraining agents, and the surfactant with higher oligomerization degree has higher performance. The surfactants are also beneficial for the durability of concrete, and could only affect the strength of concrete slightly. Our studies indicate great potential of the oligomeric surfactants for practical applications.