Effect of the Synthesis Temperature of Polycarboxylate-Based Superplasticizer on the Performance of Concrete

Abstract

Good quality Polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) production is increasingly important due to development of the construction industry in the world. In this study, modified PCEs were synthesized via free-radical polymerization of Translated Polyethylene Glycol (TPEG), Thioglycolic Acid (TGA) and Acrylic Acid (AA), in the presence of initiator and chain transfer agent according to molecular structure design principle in different initiatory temperatures (40 and 60 o C). The effects of PCEs synthesized at different temperatures on the concrete such as water cutting, workability and compressive strength of 7 and 28 days' have been examined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for structural characterization.