The Categories and Application of PCE Superplasticizers in Concrete

Polycarboxylate ether superplasticizers (PCEs) are water reducers in the concrete mix that play a significant function in aspects of reducing the water-to-cement ratio, improving impermeability, increasing compressing strength, and meditating the shrinkage. This paper introduces the characteristics of PCEs, discusses the application, advantages, and disadvantages of concrete, and puts forward some measures. The mechanism of PCEs is the dispersion function of the molecular structure and the neutralization. Currently, PCEs are updated from one generation to another, conventional PCEs mainly include methacrylate ester, isoprenol ethe, and methallyl ether-PCEs. Another two major types of PECs are vinyl ether-based and calcium silicate hydrates PCEs, respectively. The application of PCEs revolutes novel types of concrete, such as ultra-high performance concrete and self-compacting concrete. When applying PCEs, retardation has to be considered. Meanwhile, another drawback of PCEs is that they can hardly work with other admixtures. A novel type that is considered clay properties can be another research field.