Research on the synthesis and properties of EPEG high water reducing polycarboxylate superplasticizer at room temperature

Abstract A highly water reducing polycarboxylate superplasticizer was prepared at room temperature using ethylene glycol monovinyl polyethylene glycol ether (EPEG, content of 60%), acrylic acid (AA), hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), and multiple esters as the main synthetic materials, under the action of initiators and based on the principle of the free radical polymerization reaction. The influence of different synthetic factors on the dispersibility of polycarboxylate superplasticizers was studied through orthogonal experimental analysis and single-factor adjustment. The results showed that the optimal synthesis process was as follows: the acid ether ratio was 2.2, and the amounts of reducing agent, hydrogen peroxide, and mercaptoethanol were 0.07%, 0.55%, and 0.24% of the amount of EPEG, respectively. The synthesis temperature was controlled within the range of 25°C to 35°C. At this time, the synthesized polycarboxylate superplasticizer had a better water reduction rate and slump retention performance.