Influence of High-Robustness Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer on the Performances of Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash and Manufactured Sand

Using ethylene glycol monovinyl polyoxyethylene ether,2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid(AMPS)and acrylic acid as the main synthetic monomers,a high robustness polycarboxylate superplasticizer was prepared.The effects of initial temperature,ratio of acid to ether,amount of chain transfer agent,and synthesis process on the properties of the superplasticizer were studied.The molecular structure was characterized by GPC(Gel Permeation Chromatography)and IR(Infrared Spectrometer).As shown by the results,when the initial reaction temperature is 15℃,the ratio of acid to ether is 3.4:1 and the acrylic acid pre-neutralization is 15%,The AMPS substitution is 10%,the amount of chain transfer agent is 8%,and the performance of the synthesized superplasticizer is the best.Compared with commercially available ordinary polycarboxylate superplasticizer in C30 concrete prepared with manufactured sand and fly ash,the bleeding rate decreases by 52%,T50 decreases by 1.2 s,and the slump time decreases by 1.1 s.In C60 concrete prepared with fly ash and river sand,the bleeding rate decreases by 46%,T50 decreases by 0.8 s,and the slump time decreases by 3.2 s.

Study on the Hydration and Physical Properties of Cement by M18 Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer Modified Graphene Oxide

Graphene oxide(GO)as a new nano-enhancer in cement-based materials has gained wide attention.However,GO is easy to aggregate in alkaline cement mortar with poor dispersibility.This hinders its application in practical infrastructure construction.In this work,GO-M18 polycarboxylate compound superplasticizer(GM)were obtained by compounding the M18 polycarboxylate superplasticizer with GO solution at different mass ratios.The dispersion of GM in alkaline solution was systematically studied.The phases and functional groups of GM were characterized by XRD and FTIR.The effects of GM on the cement mortar hydration and the formation of microstructure were investigated by measuring the heat of hydration,MIP,TG/DSC,and SEM.The results show that the long-chain structure of the M18 polycarboxylate superplasticizer can increase the interlayer spacing of GO and weaken the force between GO sheets.The modified GO can be uniformly dispersed in the cement slurry.GM can accelerate the early hydration process of cement,which can increase the content of Ca(OH)2 and decrease the grain size.It can optimize the pore size distribution of cement-based materials,increase the density of harmless and less harmful pores,thereby improving mechanical properties.Such methods can transform traditional cement-based materials into stronger,more durable composites,which prolong the life of cement-based materials and reduce the amount of cement used for later maintenance.This provides an idea for achieving sustainability goals in civil engineering.

Microstructural evolution and deformation mechanisms of superplastic aluminium alloys:A review

Aluminium alloy is one of the earliest and most widely used superplastic materials.The objective of this work is to review the scientific advances in superplastic Al alloys.Particularly,the emphasis is placed on the microstructural evolution and deformation mechanisms of Al alloys during superplastic deformation.The evolution of grain structure,texture,secondary phase,and cavities during superplastic flow in typical superplastic Al alloys is discussed in detail.The quantitative evaluation of different deformation mechanisms based on the focus ion beam(FIB)-assisted surface study provides new insights into the superplasticity of Al alloys.The main features,such as grain boundary sliding,intragranular dislocation slip,and diffusion creep can be observed intuitively and analyzed quantitatively.This study provides some reference for the research of superplastic deformation mechanism and the development of superplastic Al alloys.

Superplasticized vs. Conventional Concrete: A Comparative Review

The global awareness and utilization of superplasticizers (SPs) in concrete have significantly contributed to developing resilient and sustainable infrastructure. Despite this, many developing nations face limited adoption of SPs in construction practices due to a lack of knowledge. This study provides a concise overview of concrete’s mechanical and durability properties, comparing formulations with and without superplasticizers. The focus is on compressive and flexural strengths, modulus of elasticity, water sorptivity, and chloride penetration. The results underscore the considerable improvement in both mechanical and durability properties when SPs are incorporated. The study recommends the widespread use of SPs, particularly in developing countries, to enhance the longevity of concrete structures.

Influence of superplasticizers on the early-age crack resistance of concrete

In order to improve the early-age cracking resistance of concrete, different types of superplasticizers are used. Two types of polycarboxlic salt/acid superplasticizers and one retarding naphthalene superplasticizer are selected to investigate the influence of superplasticizers on the early-age cracking resistance of the concrete by using the slab test and the temperature-stress test. The results show that the polycarboxlic salt/acid superplasticizer cannot always improve the cracking resistance capacity of the concrete compared with the naphthalene superplasticizer, which is related to the chemical structure of the polycarboxlic salt/acid superplasticizer. High plastic tensile strength and dynamic elastic modulus at the early stage are beneficial to avoid cracking, and low hydration heat is also helpful. The evolutions of the drying shrilakage stress and the hydration heat temperature stress varying with time can be comprehensively evaluated by means of the slab test and the temperature stress test.

Synthesis and Properties of an AMPS-Modified Polyacrylic Acid Superplasticizer

A 2-acrylamide-2-methyl propylene sodium sulfonic （AMPS）-modified polyacrylic acid superplasticizer was synthesized using aqueous solution polymerization with the major monomers including the self-made active macromers polyethylene glycol mono-methyl ether acrylate acrylic （MPEGAA）, acrylic acid （AA）, AMPS, and sodium methyl allyl sulfonate （SMAS）. The ratios of the monomers were determined using an orthogonal experiment. This research focused on the effects of the dosages of different macromers, the polymerization conditions, and the length of MPEGAA side chains on the properties of the AMPS-modified polyacrylic acid super-plasticizer. The best polymerization conditions of the AMPS-modified polyacrylic acid superplasticizer are when （n（MPEGAA）：n（SMAS）：n（AMPS）：n（AA） equals 0.1：0.1：0.2：0.65, the molecular weight of monomethoxypolyethylene glycol is 1 200, the initiator ammonium persulfate accounts for 5% of the total mass of the polymerized monomers, the polymerization temperature is 80 ~C, and the reaction time is 4 h. The AMPS-modified polyacrylic acid superplasticizer synthesized in the best conditions exhibited excellent dispersivity and dispersion retainability. When the dosage ratio was 0.24%, the initial fluidity was 400 mm and the fluidity had nearly no loss after 1 h.

Hyperbolic Method to Analyze the Electrical Resistivity Curve of Portland Cements with Superplasticizer

Electrical measurement was employed to investigate the early hydration characteristics of cement pastes with different dosages of superplasticizer in the same W/C ratio. The hyperbolic method was applied to analyze the electrical resistivity development. The peak point （Ph） on the hyperbolic curve could be easily read. The time （th） to reach the point Ph had strong relations with the setting time. th was delayed with the increment of the dosage of superplasticizer. The time th was used to plot the relationship between the initial setting time and final setting time. The hyperbolic equation was established to predict the ultimate resistivity. The retardation effect of the superplasticizer was confirmed in the same W/C ratio by setting time and isothermal heat evolution.

Effect of Competitive Adsorption between Sodium Tripolyphosphate and Naphthalene Superplasticizer on Fluidity of Cement Paste

The adsorption amount, ξ-potential of cement particles and fluidity of cement paste were tested to research the competitive adsorption between naphthalene superplasticizer （FDN） and STPP. The experimental results showed that the presence of STPP could significantly improve the fluidity of cement paste and reduce the fluidity loss with FDN. There existed a competitive adsorption between STPP and FDN. STPP and calcium ions formed complexes; they preferentially adsorbed onto surface of cement particles and preempt adsorption points of FDN; and it reduced adsorption amount of FDN. In the absence of STPP, saturation adsorption amount of FDN was 5.93 mg/g; but when the dosage of STPP was 0.1%, it reduced to 4.3 mg/g （about 72.5%）. The adsorption amount of FDN was reduced by STPP, but ξ-potential of cement particles enhanced and fluidity of cement paste increased because of strong negative charge effect of the complexes. Adsorption of the complexes would delay Ca^2＋ into liquid and inhibit formation of active adsorption points. Then, content of FDN in liquid increased with the addition of STPP and ξ-potential of cement particles became stable. In this way, fluidity loss of cement paste reduced.

Synthesis of a Macromer, MPEGAA, Used to Prepare an AMPS-modified Polyacrylic Acid Superplasticizer

A macromer, methoxypolyethylene glycol acrylate （MPEGAA）, was synthesized by direct esterification using methoxypolyethylene glycol （MPEG-1200） and acrylic acid （AA） as the main materials. MPEGAA was then used to prepare a polyacrylic acid superplasticizer modified with 2-acrylamido-2- methylpropane sulfonic acid （AMPS）. A single-factor test was performed to investigate the effects of the molar ratio of acid to alcohol （n（AA）/n（MPEG））, inhibitor amount, catalyst amount, temperature, and time of esterification on the synthesis of MPEGAA. The experimental results showed that the optimal esterification conditions were as follows： n（AA）/n（MPEG）, 3.5：1; amount of hydroquinone （as an inhibitor）, 1.2%; amount of para-toluenesulfonic acid （as a catalyst）, 5.5%; reaction temperature, 95 ~C; and reaction time, 6 h. The AMPS- modified polyacrylic acid superplasticizer prepared under the optimal esterification conditions enabled the achievement and maintenance of high cement dispersibility. At an admixture amount of 0.15%, the cement paste fluidity was initially as high as 300 mm, and then decreased to 315 mm after 1 h and to 290 mm after 2 h.

The Synthesis Technique of Polyacrylic Acid Superplasticizer

Using water separation technique,acrylic acid （AA） and polyethylene glycol （PEG） 1000,of which the ratio was 1.5,were esterified and the optimum esterification ratio of 90% could be reached under the condition of 110 ℃×3 h.Using polyoxyethylene acrylate macromonomer （PA） prepared in the esterification,AA and sodium methylacryl sulfonate （MAS） as monomers,a copolymer which could be used as superplasticizer was prepared by free radical coolymerization in n（PA）：n（AA）：n（MAS） of 1：7：3.When the synthesis condition was 80 ℃× 5 h,the optimal dosage of initiator was 3.0%-4.0%,the fluidity of cement paste with the samples could reach 270 mm.By analyzing the effect of the content of residual small molecule sulfonic monomer on the properties of sample,n（MAS）/n（PA） was controlled in a range of 2.5-3.8.

Effects of Molecular Structure of Polycarboxylate-type Superplasticizer on the Hydration Properties of C_3S

Effects of polycarboxylate-type superplasticizer（PC） molecular structure on the hydration heat of tricalcium silicate（C3S） paste and polymerization degree of hydration products（C-S-H gel） were researched by using TAM AIR isothermal microcalorimetry（TA） and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance（NMR）.Methoxy polyethylene glycol-methacrylates-based polycarboxylate superplasticizers with different side chain lengths and main chain lengths were employed.PC molecules with shorter main chain or longer side chains caused stronger retardation of C3S early hydration and lesser increase of C3S 3 d hydration degree.NMR measurement indicated that the incorporation of PC increased the hydration degree of C3S paste and the polymerization degree of silicon-oxygen tetrahedron of C-S-H gel.The tendency for C3S 7 d hydration degree to improve was more pronounced while PC molecules with longer main chain or shorter side chain were added.Whereas,PC molecules with longer main chains or longer side chains increased the 7 d polymerization degree of C-S-H gel.

Effects of an AMPS-Modified Polyacrylic Acid Superplasticizer on the Performance of Cement-based Materials

A self-made AMPS-modified polyacrylic acid superplasticizer and two others of the same type but with different molecular structures, which are commercially available, are used in this study to investigate the effect of a 2-acrylamide-2-methyl propylene sulfonic （AMPS）-modified polyacrylic acid superplasticizer on the properties of cement-based materials. In the experiments, initial fluidity, 1 and 2 h fluidity over time after admixtion, bleeding rate of the net cement mortar, and adsorption capacity and rate of cement particles are determined by adding different dosages of the three superplasticizers into the cement paste to characterize the dispersivity and the dispersion retention capability of each superplasticizer. Water-reducing rates of three kinds of mortars are simultaneously determined to characterize the water-reducing capacity of each superplasticizer, as well as the 3 and 28 d compressive strengths to characterize the compression resistance. Results show that water-reducing effect and fluidity better maintain the capability of the AMPS-modified polyacrylic acid superplasticizer than the two commercially available polyacrylic acid superplasticizers, and the compressive strengths after 3 and 28 d show significant growth. In conclusion, the effects of water reduction and strengthening of the AMPS-modified polyacrylic acid superplasticizer are evidently better than those of the two commercially available polyacrylic acid superplasticizers.

Effect of Crosslink Structure of Bridge Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers on Dispersion Ability

Bridge polycarboxylate superplasticizers（PCs） with crosslink structure were synthesized by using polyethyleneglycol di-acrylate（PEGdA）, replacing partial polyethyleneglycol mono-acrylate （PEGmA） as crosslinking agent. Structures of bridge PCs were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography, and dispersion ability was evaluated by cement paste dispersity variation on time and rheology test. The experimental results showed that, molecular weight（MW） of bridge PCs increased with increase of PEGdA proportion, and MW distribution curve changed from Gaussian to fiat like, which meant notable increase of highly crosslinked copolymer. Bridge PCs led to decreased initial cement paste dispersity and better dispersity retention due to slow releasing. Further research showed that, PEGdA proportion had slight effect on polymerization degree of backbone, MW distribution of backbone deviated from Gaussian distribution and shoulder peaks appeared on distribution curve when PEGdA increased.

Adsorption Mechanism of Polycarboxylate-Based Superplasticizer in CFBC Ash-Portland Cement Paste

Circulating fluidized bed combustion （CFBC） ash exhibits the desirable pozzolanic activity which makes it a potential supplementary cementitious material to replace cement for concrete production. However, the high unburnt carbon content and porous surface structure of CFBC ash may adsorb water reducer and thereby significantly reduce the efficiency of water-reducing agents. The adsorption mechanism of polycarboxylate superplasticizer in CFBC ash-Portland cement paste was investigated by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, and the conception of ＂invalid adsorption site＂ of CFBC ash was presented. The results show that the adsorption behavior of polycarboxylate superplasticizer in coal ash-Portland cement paste can be described by Langmuir isothermal adsorption equation. The adsorption capacity of CFBC ash-Portland cement paste is higher than that of pulverized coal combustion （PCC） fly ash-Portland cement paste. Moreover, the adsorption amount of polycarboxylate superplasticizer increases with the ratio of ash-to-cement in the paste. At last, the fluidity of CFBC ash-Portland cement paste is lower than that of the PCC fly ash paste. This work suggests that when CFBC ash is used as concrete admixture, the poor flowability of the cementitious system due to the high adsorption of water and water-reducing agent should be taken into consideration.

Preparation of Polycarboxylate-based Superplasticizer and Its Effects on Zeta Potential and Rheological Property of Cement Paste

A series of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers(PCs) with different structures were synthesized and the effects of chemical structure on zeta potential and rheological property of cement paste were studied. Residual monomers in each sample of PCs were quantitatively determined. The property of the polymers in cement was tested by micro-electrophoresis apparatus and R/S rheometer. Results showed that the zeta potential and its rheological properties are related with the side-chain length and density of PCs. The PCs having shorter side chain and lower side chain density exhibit higher anionic charge density, thus resulting in higher zeta potential. The effect of side chain density on zeta potential is more notable compared with that of side-chain length, and thus affecting the initial shear yield stress and apparent viscosity of the cement paste. In addition, although increasing the side chain length will result in reduction of the anionic charge density, the steric hindrance effect is obvious, which can effectively improve the dispersion of the cement particles, and reduce the viscosity and shear yield stress of slurry.

Influence of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer on Rheological Behavior in Cement Paste

Molecular structures of polycarboxylate（PCE） superplasticizer significantly affect the rheological properties of cement paste. Consequently, we employed self-synthesized PCE copolymers with different carboxylic densities to investigate their influence on the rheological behavior of cement paste. Three typical rheological models were applied to analyze the rheological properties, including Power-law model, Bingham model as well as Herschel-Buikley model. In addition, the thixotropical performances of cement paste in the presence of PCE with different carboxylic densities were investigated. The results show that the carboxylic density of PCE greatly influences the dispersing performance of PCE superplasticizers. As carboxylic density increases, the dispersing capability of PCE improves, and P（PEG1-AA6） possesses the strongest dispersing capability, the initial fluidity and 1 h fluidity of cement paste are both the highest, and cement paste has the lowest viscosity and the smallest hysteresis loop.

The Compatibility of Polycarboxylate-Type Superplasticizers with Cement

Four polycarboxylate- type （ PC ） superplasticizers of different functional groups were used ; their dispersing and retaining behaviors were analyzed through ZETA potential measurement, mini-slump test of cement paste and performance test of concrete. The experimental results show that the dispersing and flow-retaining ability of PC was determined by two factors of anionic groups and nonionic groups ： the density of anionic groups - COO^- or - SO3^- acted on the electronic repulsive force. and the length and proportion of nonionic graft groups of PEO in PC chemical stracture affected the steric effect. The compatibility between PC superplasticizers and cement mainly depended on the type of PEO groups ; furtlwrmore, adding mineral powders is good to the compatibility for high performance concretes （ HPCs ）.

Adsorption of Superplasticizers in Fly Ash Blended Cement Pastes and Its Rheological Effects

The adsorption of superplasticizers in fly ash blended cement paste and its rheological effects were investigated.It is shown that the absorption of superplasticizer on portland cement particles is very different from that on fly ash particles.The fly ash particles have smooth surfaces and are negatively charged,so its adsorption capacity is weaker than the portland cement particles.The amount of adsorbed SP in the fly ash blended cement paste depends highly on the replacement proportion of portland cement with fly ash,and to a much less extent on the nature of the fly ash.However,the amount of adsorbed superplasticizer does not correspond well the ζ-potential of the solid particles,due the strong adsorbing capacities of the Portland cement particles.When fly ash replaces portland cement in the paste,the rheological behavior is radically changed,which is closely related to the fineness and density of the ash.The packing and agglomeration of the solid particles are the controlling factors on the rheological parameters of the fresh paste,instead of the amount and type of adsorbed superplasticizer.

Effect of Molecular Structure on the Performance of Polyacrylic Acid Superplasticizer

The effects of structure parameters, such as molecular structure, segment kinds, molecular weight, and organic functional groups, on the performance of polyacrylic acid superplasticizer were discussed. According to the differences of chain sections, functional groups, eic, polyacrylic acid superplasticizer could be divided into A, B, C three parts. Among them, A chain section included sulfonic acid groups, B chain section carboxyl groups, C chain section polyester. Polyacrylic acid superplasticizers with different matching of A, B, C chain sections, different length of C chain section and different molecular weights were synthesized by acrylic acid, polyethylene glycol, sodium methyl allylsulfonate; the relation between the molecular structure and perfolxnance was also studied. The expetimental results indicate that the water-reduction ratio increases obviously with the increment of the proportion of sodium methyl allylsulfonate chain section in the molecular; the slump retention increases greatly with the increment of the proportion of acrylic acid chain section; the dispersion of cement particles increases with the increment of the chain length of polyethylene glycol; when the molecular weight is in the range of 5000, the dispersion and slump retentibity increase with the increment of the average molecular weight of polymers.

Synthesis of New Polyether Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer

The effects of various factors on the synthesis process and the performances of product, including batch feeding way and the dosage of the radical initiator, the system concentration, the reaction temperature and the reaction time were discussed. A kind of polycarboxylate superplasticizer with allyl alcohol polyethylene glycol, maleic anhydride and methacrylic acid sulfonic sodium as main raw materials has been synthesized. Their relative effectiveness as dispersants was evaluated in cement paste by measuring paste fluidity. The optimum parameters of technology and the appropriate proportion of raw materials were obtained. As a result,the new high performance superplasticizer suitable for high-performance concrete has been synthesized. The structure of copolymer was characterized and analyzed by FT-IR spectra. Results indicated that product copolymer structure was consistent with the ideal molecular structure designed.