(1) Product Overview and Development History

Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer (abbreviated as PCE) is the third-generation concrete water-reducing agent developed after lignin-based and naphthalene-based water-reducing agent. Since its first industrial application in Japan in the 1990s, it has become an indispensable core additive for high-performance concrete (HPC) and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC).

(2) Molecular Structure and Mechanism of Action

Unique comb-like molecular structure

The main chain is formed by the polymerization of acrylic monomers containing carboxyl groups (-COOH)

Side chain: Long chain of polyoxyethylene ether (PEO) (molecular weight 600-5000)

Functional groups: sulfonic acid groups (-SO₃H), amino groups (-NH₂), and other modified end groups

Dual dispersion mechanism:

Electrostatic repulsion effect

Carboxylate ions are adsorbed on the surface of cement particles (with a Zeta potential of -35mV)

Form a double-layer structure to prevent particle agglomeration

Steric hindrance effect

The side chains of PEO stretch in the hydration medium (stretch length 5-20nm)

Generate physical isolation barriers to maintain dispersion stability

(3) Analysis of Engineering Application Advantages

Super high-rise building case (Shanghai Tower)

Challenge: C60 concrete is pumped to a height of 632 meters

Solution:

Slow-release PCE (dosage 0.18%) is adopted

The initial slump was 260mm and remained at 230mm after 5 hours

Outcome:

The pumping pressure is reduced by 40%

The 28-day strength compliance rate of the structural column is 100%

Enhanced Durability of Cross-sea Bridges (Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge)

(4)Key technologies

PCE with compound anti-corrosion components (rust prevention efficiency ≥95%)

The diffusion coefficient of chloride ions decreased to 0.8×10⁻¹²m²/s

Life prediction: The design service life has been increased from 50 years to 120 years