Advantage of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer

Polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) emerged as one of the most important superplasticizers for concrete due to their superior performance.   Compared to other products, they fluidize cement even at low water to cement ratios, require relatively low dosages, and exhibit a long slump retention capability. The high dispersing efficacy of PCEs can be ascribed to the nonionic side chains, which stretch out into the pore solution and act as a steric barrier to keep the cement particles apart. Moreover, due to the adsorption of the PCEs, a negative surface charge is induced, which also provokes electrostatic repulsion between cement particles.