Effects of Polycarboxylate Ethers with Different Charge Densities on the Time-Dependent Rheological Property of Cement Slurry
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36, Issue 12
Abstract
Effects of polycarboxylate ethers (PCEs) with different charge densities on the time-dependent rheological property (yield stress) were systematically investigated by correlating the charge density of PCE with its adsorption behavior, dispersion capability (including the dispersion rate and dispersion extent), and packing density, fluidity, and hydration kinetics of the cement slurry. Results show that with the increase of charge density, the adsorption rate of PCE increases, which is attributed to the increase of affinity between PCE and cement particles. Based on this, the dispersion rate of PCE is effectively enhanced by increasing its density charge, which results in a faster packing rate, consequently lowering the decrease of the time-dependent yield stress of cement slurry and increasing the fluidity loss over time. Noticeably, the stronger affinity raised from higher charge density leaves fewer PCEs in the solution of cement slurry, which is remarkable at high dosage, and thus leading to a faster fluidity loss or time-dependent yield stress increase. This will also lead to slower hydration kinetics with the same PCE content. These findings can provide guidance for the design of PCE structures in regulating the workability of concrete.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52178215 and 52102022) and the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20231088).
References
Abile, R., A. Russo, C. Limone, and F. Montagnaro. 2018. “Impact of the charge density on the behaviour of polycarboxylate ethers as cement dispersants.” Constr. Build. Mater. 180 (Apr): 477–490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.05.276.
Bouhamed, H., S. Boufi, and A. Magnin. 2007. “Dispersion of alumina suspension using comb-like and diblock copolymers produced by RAFT polymerization of AMPS and MPEG.” J. Colloid Interface Sci. 312 (2): 279–291. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2007.03.060.
Dalas, F., A. Nonat, S. Pourchet, M. Mosquet, D. Rinaldi, and S. Sabio. 2015. “Tailoring the anionic function and the side chains of comb-like superplasticizers to improve their adsorption.” Cem. Concr. Res. 67 (Jun): 21–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2014.07.024.
De Larrard, F. 1999. Concrete mixture proportioning: A scientific approach. London: CRC Press.
Elżbieta, J. 2013. “The effect of superplasticizers’ chemical structure on their efficiency in cement pastes.” Constr. Build. Mater. 38 (Apr): 1204–1210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.09.032.
Felekoğlu, B., and H. Sarikahya. 2008. “Effect of chemical structure of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers on workability retention of self-compacting concrete.” Constr. Build. Mater. 22 (9): 1972–1980. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2007.07.005.
Ferrara, L., M. Cremonesi, N. Tregger, A. Frangi, and S. P. Shah. 2012. “On the identification of rheological properties of cement suspensions: Rheometry, computational luid dynamics modeling and field test measurements.” Cem. Concr. Res. 42 (8): 1134–1146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2012.05.007.
Flatt, R. J., D. Larosa, and N. Roussel. 2006. “Linking yield stress measurements: Spread test versus Viskomat.” Cem. Concr. Res. 36 (1): 99–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2005.08.001.
Ge, H., Z. Sun, Z. Lu, H. Yang, T. Zhang, and N. He. 2024. “Influence and mechanism analysis of different types of water reducing agents on volume shrinkage of cement mortar.” J. Build. Eng. 82 (Sep): 108204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.108204.
Jaberizadeh, M., P. Danoglidis, S. Shah, and M. Konsta-Gdoutos. 2023. “Eco-efficient cementitious composites using waste cellulose fibers: Effects on autogenous shrinkage, strength and energy absorption capacity.” Constr. Build. Mater. 408 (Aug): 133504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.133504.
Kauppi, A., K. M. Andersson, and M. L. Bergstr. 2005. “Probing the effect of superplasticizer adsorption on the surface forces using the colloidal probe AFM technique.” Cem. Concr. Res. 35 (1): 133–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.07.008.
Kim, A. B. G., A. S. Jiang, B. C. Jolicoeur, and A. P. C. Atcin. 2000. “The adsorption behavior of PNS superplasticizer and its relation to fluidity of cement paste.” Cem. Concr. Res. 30 (6): 887–893. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(00)00256-8.
Kong, X., Y. Zhang, and S. Hou. 2013. “Study on the rheological properties of Portland cement pastes with polycarboxylate superplasticizers.” Rheol. Acta 52 (7): 707–718. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00397-013-0713-7.
Lei, L., T. Hirata, and J. Plank. 2022. “40 years of PCE superplasticizers—History, current state-of-the-art, and an outlook.” Cem. Concr. Res. 157 (Aug): 106826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2022.106826.
Li, C. Z., N. Q. Feng, Y. D. Li, and R. J. Chen. 2005. “Effects of polyethylene oxide chains on the performance of polycarboxylate-type water-reducers.” Cem. Concr. Res. 35 (5): 867–873. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.04.031.
Li, Y., Y. Zhang, J. Zheng, H. Guo, C. Yang, Z. Li, and M. Lu. 2014. “Dispersion and rheological properties of concentrated kaolin suspensions with polycarboxylate copolymers bearing comb-like side chains.” J. Eur. Ceram. Soc. 34 (1): 137–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2013.07.009.
Ma, J., Y. Shang, C. Peng, H. Liu, and Q. Ran. 2020. “Synthesis and foaming performance of one high-efficient air content regulator of concrete.” Colloids Surf., A 586 (Jun): 124245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.124245.
Ma, Y., J. Bai, C. Shi, S. Sha, and B. Zhou. 2021. “Effect of PCEs with different structures on hydration and properties of cementitious materials with low water-to-binder ratio.” Cem. Concr. Res. 142 (Dec): 106343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106343.
Merlin, F., H. Guitouni, H. Mouhoubi, S. Mariot, V. Franck, and H. V. Damme. 2005. “Adsorption and heterocoagulation of nonionic surfactants and latex particles on cement hydrates.” J. Colloid Interface Sci. 281 (1): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2004.08.042.
Nkinamubanzi, P. C., S. Mantellato, and R. J. Flatt. 2016. “Superplasticizers in practice.” In Science and technology of concrete admixtures. Sawston, CA: Woodhead Publishing.
Peng, J., J. Qu, J. Zhang, M. Chen, and T. Wan. 2005. “Adsorption characteristics of water-reducing agents on gypsum surface and its effect on the rheology of gypsum plaster.” Cem. Concr. Res. 35 (3): 527–531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.04.016.
Plank, J., and C. Hirsch. 2007. “Impact of zeta potential of early cement hydration phases on superplasticizer adsorption.” Cem. Concr. Res. 37 (4): 537–542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2007.01.007.
Plank, J., K. Pöllmann, N. Zouaoui, P. R. Andres, and C. Schaefer. 2008. “Synthesis and performance of methacrylic ester based polycarboxylate superplasticizers possessing hydroxy terminated poly(ethylene glycol) side chains.” Cem. Concr. Res. 38 (10): 1210–1216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2008.01.007.
Plank, J., and B. Sachsenhauser. 2009. “Experimental determination of the effective anionic charge density of polycarboxylate superplasticizers in cement pore solution.” Cem. Concr. Res. 39 (1): 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2008.09.001.
Plank, J., E. Sakai, C. W. Miao, C. Yu, and J. X. Hong. 2015. “Chemical admixtures—Chemistry, applications and their impact on concrete microstructure and durability.” Cem. Concr. Res. 78 (Aug): 81–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2015.05.016.
Ran, Q., J. Liu, C. Miao, and S. Yan. 2012. “Effect of linkage bond between backbone and side chain in comb-like copolymer dispersants on early properties of concentrated cement suspensions.” Procedia Eng. 27 (27): 223–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2011.12.447.
Ran, Q., P. Somasundaran, C. Miao, J. Liu, S. Wu, and J. Shen. 2010. “Adsorption mechanism of comb polymer dispersants at the cement/water interface.” J. Dispersion Sci. Technol. 31 (6): 790–798. https://doi.org/10.1080/01932690903333580.
Reese, J. D., and J. Plank. 2011. “Adsorption of polyelectrolytes on calcium carbonate—Which thermodynamic parameters are driving this process?” J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 94 (10): 3515–3522. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1551-2916.2011.04682.x.
Sakai, E., A. Ishida, and A. Ohta. 2006. “New trends in the development of chemical admixtures in Japan.” J. Adv. Concr. Technol. 4 (2): 211–223. https://doi.org/10.3151/jact.4.211.
Spiratos, N., M. Page, and C. Jolicoeur. 2003. Superplasticizers for concrete: Fundamentals, technology and practice. Quebec: Supplementary Cementing Materials for Sustainable Development.
Wallevik, J. E. 2006. “Relationship between the Bingham parameters and slump.” Cem. Concr. Res. 36 (7): 1214–1221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2006.03.001.
Wang, W., B. Zheng, Z. Feng, Z. Deng, and L. Fu. 2012. “Adsorption of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer onto natural bentonite.” J. Adv. Concr. Technol. 10 (10): 323–331. https://doi.org/10.3151/jact.10.323.
Wang, X., Y. Yang, W. Lin, X. Shu, and J. Liu. 2016. “Tailoring the sequence structure of polycarboxylate superplasticizers to improve the sulfate ion sensitivity.” Adv. Cem. Res. 28 (8): 544–554. https://doi.org/10.1680/jadcr.16.00033.
Winnefeld, F., S. Becker, J. Pakusch, and T. Götz. 2007. “Effects of the molecular architecture of comb-shaped superplasticizers on their performance in cementitious systems.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 29 (4): 251–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2006.12.006.
Yamada, K., T. Takahashi, S. Hanehara, and M. Matsuhisa. 2000. “Effects of the chemical structure on the properties of polycarboxylate-type superplasticizer.” Cem. Concr. Res. 30 (2): 197–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(99)00230-6.
Zhang, L., X. Miao, X. Kong, and S. Zhou. 2019. “Retardation effect of PCE superplasticizers with different architectures and their impacts on early strength of cement mortar.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 104 (Jul): 103369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.103369.
Zhang, Q., Q. Ran, H. Zhao, X. Shu, and Y. Yang. 2017. “Effect of counterions on comb-like polycarboxylate conformation in aqueous solutions.” J. Dispersion Sci. Technol. 38 (5): 721–728. https://doi.org/10.1080/01932691.2016.1192043.
Zhang, Y., X. Kong, Z. Lu, Z. Lu, and S. Hou. 2015. “Effects of the charge characteristics of polycarboxylate superplasticizers on the adsorption and the retardation in cement pastes.” Cem. Concr. Res. 67 (Aug): 184–196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2014.10.004.
Zheng, T., D. Zheng, X. Qiu, D. Yang, L. Fan, and J. Zheng. 2019. “A novel branched claw-shape lignin-based polycarboxylate superplasticizer: Preparation, performance and mechanism.” Cem. Concr. Res. 119 (Sep): 89–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2019.03.007.
Zingg, A., F. Winnefeld, L. Holzer, J. Pakusch, S. Becker, R. Figi, and L. Gauckler. 2009. “Interaction of polycarboxylate-based superplasticizers with cements containing different C3A amounts.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 31 (3): 153–162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2009.01.005.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 36 • Issue 12 • December 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 6, 2023
Accepted: Apr 15, 2024
Published online: Sep 26, 2024
Published in print: Dec 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Feb 26, 2025
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Cement
- Chemicals
- Chemistry
- Concrete
- Continuum mechanics
- Density currents
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering materials (by type)
- Engineering mechanics
- Environmental engineering
- Fluid dynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Hydraulic engineering
- Hydrologic engineering
- Material mechanics
- Materials characterization
- Materials engineering
- Measurement (by type)
- Organic compounds
- Organic compounds
- PCE
- Pollutants
- Rheology
- Sludge
- Stress (by type)
- Structural analysis
- Structural engineering
- Time dependence
- Wastes
- Water and water resources
- Yield stress
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.