Title: Thermal Stability of HPEG-Type Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers

Author(s): Vyacheslav R. Falikman, Valery L. Ugolkov, Pavel N. Vasilyev, Ivan V. Bondarenko

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 354

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 263-272

Keywords: HPEG-type polycarboxylate ethers, thermal stability, scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, mass-spectrometry

DOI: 10.14359/51736080

Date: 7/1/2022

Abstract:
Polycarboxylate superplasticizers are increasingly being used in nuclear power plant construction including the dry shielding concrete containment, which directly surrounds the reactor pressure vessel. The problems of their thermal and radiation stability are brought to the fore. Tests were performed based on the simultaneous thermal analysis of admixtures based on HPEG-type polycarboxylate ethers. Scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG) measurements were employed in this study. Both measurements were performed on a Netzsch STA 429 CD Simultaneous Thermal Analysis Apparatus. For analysis of degradation products, Netzsch aQMS 403 C quadrupole mass-spectrometer was used that allows performing analysis (IC curves) of thermal degradation products within the range from 1 to 121 atom-charge units. The aluminum oxide tablets impregnated with superplasticizers were used. The comprehensive analysis of superplasticizers has proven their quite high thermal stability. During heating up to 250°С and thermal degradation of polycarboxylate ethers, there is no emission of explosive and toxic gases.