Title: Properties of Cement Systems Possessing Cross-Linked Superplasticizers

Author(s): S. Gamze Erzengin and Gulce Senturk Guzey

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 118

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 83-91

Keywords: cross-link; polycarboxylate; rheology; strength

DOI: 10.14359/51732931

Date: 9/1/2021

Abstract:
Cross-linked polycarboxylates were synthesized and characterized with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A comparative investigation of the mechanism behind the relationship between the molecular structure and performance (in terms of rheology, workability retention, and compressive strength) is the novelty of this research. Presence of cross-linkages in polymer structure provided high workability and workability retaining ability to cement pastes. A moderate cross-link density was determined as an important factor for cement dispersion (cross-link/side chain/main chain units molar ratios are 0.2/0.8/10). On the other hand, compressive strengths of designed concretes were significantly affected from the structure of superplasticizers— namely, highly cross-linked polymer provided better compressive strength (73.5 MPa and 72.5% strength increment to the basis of plain concrete). Finally, it was thought that cross-linked polycarboxylate-type superplasticizers could be the functional alternatives of their traditional counterparts, especially for the applications which required more workability and workability retention.