Superplasticizer Concrete Admixtures for Water Reduction
Modern concrete mixtures routinely require water-cement ratios below 0.40 while maintaining workability. Achieving this balance has become particularly critical in high-performance applications, where excess water compromises strength development and durability. Current superplasticizer technologies must maintain dispersing effectiveness across varying cement chemistries, aggregate gradations, and placement conditions.
The fundamental challenge lies in developing molecular structures that provide both immediate dispersing action and sustained workability without interfering with cement hydration kinetics.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including polycarboxylate formulations with modified side chains, bio-based alternatives derived from castor oil, and hybrid systems incorporating cyclodextrin structures. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation while addressing both initial flowability and extended workability retention in modern concrete construction.
1. Concrete Composite with Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Aggregates and Microsteel Fibers
KING SAUD UNIVERSITY, 2024
A high-performance concrete composite incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) aggregates, achieving superior mechanical properties through enhanced cement-organic interface and improved asphalt hydration. The composite combines cement, superplasticizer, fly ash, silica fume, RAP aggregates, water, red sand, and microsteel fibers to produce a cement composite with enhanced flowability and superior mechanical properties compared to conventional mixes. The RAP aggregates, particularly those with high asphalt content, provide enhanced cohesion and improved asphalt-organic phase interaction, while the cement and superplasticizer optimize the cement-organic interface. The RAP aggregates also contribute to improved asphalt hydration and mechanical properties.
2. Grouting Agent Comprising Portland Cement and Additives with Ultra-Low Water-Binder Ratios
HUBEI TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT CONSTRUCTION GROUP CO LTD, 2023
A low-water grouting agent for construction applications that achieves ultra-low water-binder ratios. The agent combines Portland cement with a specially selected set of additives that enable the creation of a grouting paste with significantly reduced water content. The preparation involves optimizing the cement mixture composition, grinding the raw materials, and controlling the drying process to achieve the desired paste consistency. This low-water grouting agent offers improved performance characteristics compared to conventional grouting agents, particularly in applications requiring precise control over paste consistency and workability.
3. Polycarboxylate Water Reducer with Anionic Side Chains and Variable Mass Ratio Configuration
Zhuzhou Zhongjian New Materials Co., Ltd., ZHUZHOU ZHONGJIAN NEW MATERIALS CO LTD, 2023
A highly dispersed polycarboxylate water reducer that combines superior performance with enhanced adaptability. The water-reducing agent comprises a specific mass ratio of polycarboxylate to cement, with a preferred ratio of 3-4:1. This composition enables the water-reducing agent to effectively disperse in cement slurry, while its molecular structure incorporates additional anionic groups such as sulfamic acid and glutaconic acid. These side chains facilitate interactions with cement particles, forming a stable hydration film that enhances cement flow and reduces particle aggregation. The water-reducing agent's molecular structure also enables continuous replenishment of lost acid groups during cement hydration, maintaining optimal hydration conditions and cement dispersion.
4. Method for Producing Cement via Joint Grinding of Portland Cement, Mineral Filler, and Organic Water-Reducing Agent
BAKOV MAKSIM HUSENOVICH, 2023
A method for producing cement with reduced water demand through the joint grinding of Portland cement, mineral filler, and organic water-reducing agent. The method combines a carbonaceous material with a calcium carbonate content of at least 60% as a mineral filler with Portland cement, carbonate-containing material, and organic water-reducing agent in specific proportions. The carbonaceous material enhances the cement's hydration properties while maintaining its strength, resulting in a cement with lower water demand and improved durability compared to conventional methods.
5. Aqueous Dispersion Compositions of Cellulose Ethers and Superplasticizers with Monovalent Salts
ROHM AND HAAS CO, 2023
Pourable aqueous dispersion compositions comprising cellulose ethers and superplasticizers in an aqueous medium of stabilizers and monovalent salts. The compositions contain from 8 to 28 wt.%, as solids in total of each of the cellulose ethers and the monovalent salts, and provide water reducers or superplasticizers in liquid form suitable for ready, on-site use with cementitious dry mix.
6. Copolymer with Ethylene Oxide and Propylene Oxide Monomers for Hydraulic Binder Formulations
COATEX, 2022
A copolymer that enables the creation of hydraulic binders with improved workability and slump retention, particularly in aqueous formulations. The copolymer, comprising a polymolecularity index less than 3, is synthesized through radical polymerization in water at temperatures between 10-90°C. The copolymer incorporates a specific combination of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) monomers, with a ratio of EO to PO groups ranging from 98:2 to 52:48. This copolymer formulation enables the reduction of water content in hydraulic binders while maintaining their mechanical properties and workability.
7. Castor Oil-Based Superplasticizer via Catalytic Dehydration and Free Radical Polymerization
YANCHENG INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 盐城工学院, 2021
A castor oil-based superplasticizer for concrete that reduces production costs and environmental impact. The superplasticizer is prepared through catalytic dehydration of castor oil, which replaces traditional acrylic acid-derived monomers. This process enables the production of a high-performance superplasticizer with improved sustainability compared to conventional acrylic-based products. The dehydrated castor oil serves as the monomer in a free radical polymerization reaction, offering a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional raw materials.
8. Polycarboxylate Composition with Isopentenyl Polyoxyethylene Ether and Functionalized 8-Cyclodextrin
HANGZHOU JP TREE ENVIRONMENTAL TECH CO LTD, 2021
Comprehensive polycarboxylate water-reducing agent for concrete, comprising isopentenyl polyoxyethylene ether, functionalized 8-cyclodextrin, 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 2-methacryloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride, methacrylic acid-N,N-dimethylaminoethyl, initiator, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and ascorbic acid. The agent exhibits enhanced water-reducing properties compared to conventional polycarboxylate agents, while maintaining superior cement paste fluidity and slump.
9. Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer with Glycidyl Methacrylate and β-CD-Modified Cyclodextrin Structures for Steric Hindrance
湖南先锋建材有限公司, HUNAN XIANFENG BUILDING MATERIALS CO LTD, 2021
Polycarboxylate superplasticizer with enhanced adaptability for concrete applications, comprising a modified glycidyl methacrylate that prevents clay particle adsorption through steric hindrance. The modified glycidyl methacrylate, containing β-CD-modified cyclodextrin hollow cylinder structures, effectively prevents cement particles from interacting with clay minerals during hydration, resulting in improved dispersion and uniformity of the superplasticizer in cement systems.
10. Ultra-High Performance Concrete Composition with Cement-Silica Fume-Fly Ash-Sand Matrix and Polycarboxylate Additives
ANHUI JINGGONG TESTING AND INSPECTION CENTER CO LTD, 2020
Low water-binder ratio ultra-high performance concrete with enhanced mechanical properties, achieved through a novel cement-silica fume-fly ash-sand composition. The composition combines cement, silica fume, fly ash, and mineral powder with specific weight ratios, while incorporating a polycarboxylate water-reducing agent and defoaming agent. This formulation enables the production of ultra-high performance concrete with significantly reduced water content, meeting the requirements for high-strength, electrical insulation applications.
11. Concrete Admixture Comprising Calcium Lignosulfonate and Vinyl Copolymer for Fines Dispersion
SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG, 2020
Water-reducing admixture for concrete that enables sustainable production of high-quality concrete with unwashed crushed aggregates containing high amounts of fines. The additive comprises a calcium lignosulfonate and a vinyl copolymer with sugar, which together disperse both cement and fines. The solution provides significant water reduction while maintaining compressive strength, making it an attractive alternative to traditional clay inhibitors and pretreatment methods. The additive is particularly effective for concrete with high cement content and fines exceeding 200 mesh, enabling water reduction of up to 15% while maintaining quality.
12. Polycarboxylic Acid-Based Water-Reducing Agent with Low-Shrinkage and Viscosity-Reducing Properties
CHINA WEST CONSTR GROUP CO LTD, 2020
A low-shrinkage, viscosity-reducing polycarboxylic acid water-reducing agent for concrete applications, particularly in high-strength concrete like bridge and dam construction. The agent combines the benefits of conventional water-reducing agents with the improved properties of polycarboxylic acids. The agent is prepared through a controlled reaction between a water-reducing agent and a specific acid, resulting in a product with enhanced flow characteristics and reduced shrinkage. The agent's unique combination of properties enables improved concrete performance in high-strength applications while maintaining safety and quality standards.
13. Cement Admixture Comprising Polycarboxylic Acid, Retarder, and Bismuth Nitrate in Specific Mass Ratio
MA QINGHAO, 2018
A cement admixture that enhances concrete properties through a synergistic combination of a polycarboxylic acid water reducing agent, a retarder, and Bi (NO3) 2. The admixture contains a polycarboxylic acid water reducing agent, a retarder, Bi (NO3) 2, and water in a specific mass ratio. The polycarboxylic acid water reducing agent achieves water reduction, the retarder improves workability, and Bi (NO3) 2 enhances strength.
14. Cement Compositions with Comb-Type Polycarboxylate Copolymers in Defined Molecular Weight Ranges
GCP APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES INC, 2018
Low-to-mid-range water-reducing cement compositions that achieve water savings through the selective use of comb-type polycarboxylate copolymers. The compositions incorporate these polymers in specific weight ranges within their molecular weight range, which enables effective water reduction in concrete mixes without the high-cost HRWR polymers typically used for this application. The polymers are combined with cement in controlled amounts and can be supplemented with additional water-reducing agents. This approach offers a more cost-effective alternative for achieving water savings in concrete mixes where traditional HRWR polymers are not feasible.
15. Concrete Composition with Reduced Water-to-Binder Ratios and Specific Cement Content
CVUT V PRAZE, 2018
High-performance and ultra-high-performance concrete with reduced water-to-binder ratios achieve exceptional strength and durability through optimized cement content. The water-to-binder ratio of these concretes typically falls between 0.16 and 0.28, enabling superior workability, reduced shrinkage, and enhanced resistance to cracking.
16. Binder Composition with Silica Nanomodifier for Self-Compacting High-Strength Concrete
KHOKHRYAKOV OLEG VIKTOROVICH, БАИШЕВ ДАНИИЛ ИЛЬДАРОВИЧ, KHOZIN VADIM GRIGOREVICH, 2018
A binder technology for self-compacting, high-strength concrete that achieves superior mechanical properties through a novel approach. The binder composition incorporates a silica nanomodifier introduced during cement production, which enhances the cement's mechanical properties through enhanced surface activity. The nanomodifier's adsorbed superplasticizer and silica particles form a dense, mechanical bond with aggregate grains, significantly increasing concrete strength and durability. The binder's unique composition enables self-compaction without excessive water demand, while its enhanced mechanical properties make it suitable for heavy, high-strength concrete applications.
17. Polycarboxylate Superplasticizer with Controlled Polymerization and Specific Molecular Structure
Shanghai Dongda Chemistry Co., Ltd., 上海东大化学有限公司, 2018
Viscosity-reducing polycarboxylate superplasticizer for concrete with improved flowability. The superplasticizer is prepared through a controlled polymerization process that incorporates a specific molecular structure. This structure enables the formation of a stable, low-viscosity polymer network that enhances concrete flowability while maintaining its strength and durability. The polymerization process is optimized to produce a superplasticizer with the desired rheological properties for concrete applications.
18. Concrete Superplasticizer Comprising Polymer Resin and Alkali Metal Hydroxide-Derived Water-Reducing Agent
HUZHOU GREEN NEW MATERIAL CO LTD, 湖州绿色新材股份有限公司, 2017
A concrete superplasticizer for improving workability and setting properties of concrete. The superplasticizer comprises a mixture of a polymer resin and a water-reducing agent, where the water-reducing agent is a compound containing at least one alkali metal hydroxide. The compound is prepared by reacting a polymer resin with an alkali metal hydroxide in the presence of a catalyst.
19. Cementitious Material with Specific Polycarboxylic Acid, Naphthalene, and Aliphatic Agent Ratio
Hubei University of Technology, HUBEI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2017
A cementitious cementitious material with enhanced rheological properties for concrete applications. The material combines a polycarboxylic acid, naphthalene, and aliphatic water reducing agent in a specific weight ratio to improve the early strength and adaptability of cementitious cementitious mixtures. The compound enhances the rheological properties of the cementitious mixture, enabling improved flowability and workability characteristics before the loss of plastic phase.
20. Polycarboxylate-Based Concrete Additive Composed of Alkylphenol Polyoxyethylene Ether and Isopentenyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether
GUANGXI JINHONG CONCRETE CO LTD, 2017
Polycarboxylate water-reducing agent for concrete stabilization, comprising a combination of alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether, isopentenyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, cinnamic acid, octenyl succinic anhydride, 2-acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, isopropyl alcohol, and sodium persulfate. This agent provides improved concrete workability and strength while reducing water content, particularly in high-strength concrete applications.
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