Progresses in Synthesis of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer

The prerequisite to synthesize PCE was to prepare new macromonomers with controlled molecular mass, adjustable hydrophilic-lipophilic groups, long-chain alkyl groups, and large terminal hydroxyl groups as well. Structural modifications in the molecular scale of polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) would lead to changes in properties of dispersion and water retention as well as enhancement in the compatibility of Portland cement and so on. This paper reviewed recent developments from synthetic methods of macromonomers as the initial step of production of PCE, PCE at room and elevated temperatures, and relationships between structure and properties of PCE. Through the analysis of references, it was found that PCE synthesized at room temperature had the same performance with PCE synthesized at elevated temperature in terms of conversion rate and initial dispersion in cement but broader molecular weight distribution. Conclusively, the dispersion of PCE in cement might be explained by multiple theories rather than a single one based on development trends as discussed in this paper.