Polycarboxylate superplasticizer, also called polycarboxylate ether (PCE), is a high-performance concrete admixture that is widely used in various construction projects. It uses polycarboxylate as the main component and is prepared through a special synthesis process. The polycarboxylate water reducer has many advantages such as high water reducing rate, strong dispersion ability and good slump retention, and can significantly improve the strength, durability and fluidity of concrete.
As an efficient and environmentally friendly water-reducing agent and plasticizer, PCE superplasticizer is suitable for a variety of cement-based materials and products, which can improve construction efficiency and meet different construction requirements. In general, the common forms are PCE powder and PCE liquid.
| Items | Standard | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCE Liquid (High Water Reduction) | PCE Liquid (High Slump Retention) | PCE Powder | ||
| Appearance | Light Yellow Liquid | Clear Transparent Liquid | White Powder | |
| Solid Content, % | 50±1.0 | 50±1.0 | 98±1.0 | |
| Density (23℃) (kg/m3) | 1.13±0.02 | 1.05-1.10 | 600±50 | |
| PH | 6.5-8.5 | 6.5-8.5 | 9.0±1.0 | |
| Chloride Content,% ≤ | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | |
| Na2SO4 (by solid content), % ≤ | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| Solubility | Completely Soluble | |||
| Water reducing ratio, % ≥ | 25 | |||
| Packing | The packing of PCE liquid is 230kg PE drum, 1100kg IBC tank or flexitank. But for PCE superplasticizer powder, its packing is 25 kg PP woven bag. | |||
Performance Characteristics of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer
1. High water reduction rate. Polycarboxylate superplasticizer still has excellent water-reducing properties at low dosages, and is particularly effective in cement-based mortars, gypsum-based mortars and high-grade concrete. Its water reduction rate can reach 40%.
2. High slump retention. PCE superplasticizer can well maintain the slump of concrete, making it stable during transportation and construction.
3. Good plasticizing properties. Polycarboxylic acid superplasticizer can form a dense microstructure in concrete and improve the impermeability and frost resistance of concrete.
4. Excellent dispersion performance. It has very excellent dispersion ability, making the slurry have excellent fluidity, cohesion and water retention, giving the material good workability, improving construction efficiency and meeting different construction requirements.
5. High adaptability. PCE based superplasticizer has good adaptability to ordinary salt cement, aluminate cement system, salt cement-aluminate cement composite system, gypsum-based materials, etc., and can be combined with other additives such as: defoaming agent, retarder, redispersible latex Powder, cellulose, etc. have good compatibility.
6. Early strength and high strength. It has excellent early strength and reinforcement effects. Under the same conditions, the early strength and reinforcement effects after adding this product are higher than other types of high-efficiency water reducing agents, and the dosage can be reduced under the same demand.
7. High durability. Enhance the compactness of hardened slurry, improve anti-permeability, anti-erosion and anti-chloride ion penetration capabilities, improve shrinkage and creep properties, and reduce cracks.
8. Alkali-free and chlorine-free. This product does not contain alkali and chloride ions, has no corrosive effect on steel bars, and is suitable for various reinforced concrete structures.
9. Green and safe. It does not contain harmful substances and is an environmentally friendly material.
With its unique advantages of ultra-high water reduction (25%-40%), long-term slump retention (4-6 hours), designable molecular structure, and environmental friendliness, PCE has become a core additive in modern concrete engineering, adapting to the demands of high-end, green, and industrialized construction. Its engineering applications span a wide range of fields, from super-high-rise landmarks to public infrastructure, from specialized projects to conventional construction. Specific applications can be divided into the following six categories:
1. Super-tall and Landmark Construction: Supporting Extreme Strength and Pumping Demands
Generally speaking, super-tall and landmark construction projects place stringent demands on concrete strength, fluidity, and construction safety. PCE superplasticizer is a key material for achieving these projects. Typical application scenarios include the casting of core load-bearing structures and the construction of complex, special-shaped components.
2. Transportation Infrastructure Projects: Suitable for High Durability and Industrialized Production
Transportation infrastructure (high-speed rail, bridges, and highways) must withstand long-term loads and harsh environmental corrosion. The application of PCE polycarboxylate superplasticizer can significantly improve concrete durability and production efficiency. Key application scenarios include high-speed rail track projects and long-span bridge projects.
3. Water Conservancy, Hydropower, and Underground Engineering: Preventing and Controlling Crack and Leakage Risks
Water conservancy, hydropower, and underground engineering projects often use large volumes of concrete, which are prone to thermal cracking due to hydration heat accumulation and require excellent impermeability. The application of polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer can effectively address this issue in water conservancy hubs and urban underground projects.
4. Prefabricated Building Projects: Promoting Industrialization and High-Quality Production
Prefabricated buildings pursue efficient and standardized component production. PCE superplasticizer can significantly improve the quality and production efficiency of prefabricated components. Key application scenarios include the production of high-end prefabricated components and the manufacturing of specialized prefabricated components.
5. Green and Low-Carbon Construction: Complying with Sustainable Development
Green and low-carbon construction requires reducing cement usage and carbon emissions. PCE is a core additive to achieve this goal. Typical applications include high-volume mineral admixture concrete projects and low-carbon municipal engineering projects.
6. Specialized Projects for Harsh Environments: Improving Adaptability and Service Life
PCE significantly enhances the adaptability and durability of concrete projects in harsh environments such as cold, highly corrosive, and high temperatures through performance optimization. Key application scenarios include infrastructure in extremely cold regions and projects in highly corrosive environments.