The Effects and Mechanisms of Water-Soluble Viscosity Modifying Admixtures in the Performance Evolution of Cementitious Materials: A Comprehensive Review

Water-soluble viscosity-modifying admixtures (VMAs) were initially introduced into cementitious materials to enhance cohesion, stability and resistance to bleeding and segregation. With the development of self-compacting concrete, underwater concrete, grouting materials and 3D-printed cementitious materials, VMAs have become increasingly important for regulating rheological behavior, workability retention, shape retention and construction processability. Recent studies further indicate that VMAs can affect not only fresh-state properties, but also hydration kinetics, early-age microstructure evolution, mechanical performance, transport behavior and long-term durability. This review systematically summarizes the types, action mechanisms, and performance effects of water-soluble VMAs in cementitious materials. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationships among the molecular structure, liquid phase viscosity enhancement, particle adsorption and bridging, polymer-chain entanglement, ion-responsiveness, admixture compatibility, and microstructure evolution. The review shows that the effects of VMAs are not governed solely by admixture type or dosage, but depend strongly on molecular mass, functional groups, substituent composition, charge characteristics, binder chemistry, and the pore solution environment. Finally, current research gaps and future directions are discussed, including quantitative structure–mechanism–performance relationships, applicability in low-carbon binders, service-life prediction, and application-oriented VMA design.