Synthesis and performance of a modified polycarboxylate dispersant for concrete possessing enhanced cement compatibility

It is well established that the performance of polycarboxylate (PCE) superplasticizers can be severely affected by the composition of individual cements. Here, a novel allylether/maleic anhydride (APEG)‐based PCE was synthesized using allyl maleate monomer as a new, additional building block. When polymerized into the PCE main chain, this building block was found to form a cyclic lactone structure. The resulting PCE molecule was tested with respect to the dispersing force in cements possessing different phase compositions and alkali sulfate (K₂SO₄) contents. These data were compared with those from conventional APEG‐ and methacrylate ester (MPEG)‐type PCEs. Results obtained from cement paste flowability and adsorption measurements suggest that the modified PCE disperses all cement samples well and hence is more robust against variations in cement composition. Apparently, the new building block induces a higher affinity of the polymer to the surface of cement and can form a denser polymer layer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013