Synthesis and Modification of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer: Chain Transfer Agent Ratio

This study investigates the impact of chain transfer agent (CTA) dosage on the molecular structure and performance of polycarboxylate ether (PCE)-based superplasticizers. PCEs are widely used in cementitious materials to enhance fluidity and workability. The molecular weight and architecture of PCE significantly influence its dispersing efficiency, which can be controlled by adjusting the CTA dosage during polymerization. In this research, a series of PCE samples were synthesized with varying CTA concentrations, and their performance was evaluated by measuring the fluidity of cement pastes containing these superplasticizers. Rheological tests and flow measurements were conducted to assess the dispersion capability and stability of the modified PCEs. The results demonstrated that an optimal CTA-to-monomer ratio exists, beyond which the performance of the superplasticizer may decline due to excessive molecular weight reduction. By fine-tuning the CTA dosage, it is possible to enhance the workability and mechanical properties of cementitious systems, making this study valuable for optimizing PCE formulations in concrete applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Chain Transfer Agent ، Polycarboxylate superplasticizer ، Fluidity ، Slump ، HPEG