Development and properties research of different structural EPEG-type polycarboxylate superplasticizers in UHPC

Ethylene glycol monovinyl ether polyethylene glycol ether (EPEG) is employed as a novel 6C monomer to synthesize polycarboxylate superplasticizers of varying molecular weights through free radical polymerization. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), rheological analysis, and other testing methods are employed to investigate the influence of EPEG-based polycarboxylate superplasticizers on the dispersibility, rheological properties, and workability of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC). The results indicate that with increasing monomer molecular weight, the fluidity and rheological parameters (plastic viscosity and yield stress) of the samples tend to increase, accompanied by a similar trend in slump flow diameter and an increase in the slump flow diameter and 28-day compressive strength of the UHPC mix. When the monomer molecular weight reaches 1100, corresponding to E1PCE, the dispersibility, flowability, and mechanical properties of the UHPC mix are optimized.