Development of a Novel Ester-Functionalized PCE and Assessment of Its Impact on Rheology of Cement Paste

This study examines how varying ester group content in polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs) affects the workability and adaptability of cement paste to external factors. PCE, a high-performance concrete admixture, is valued for its low dosage, high water reduction, tunability, and environmental benefits. However, conventional PCE struggles to adapt to diverse cement types and environmental conditions, often causing segregation and bleeding that impair concrete quality and durability. To overcome these limitations, we used graft copolymerization to integrate functional monomers into PCE’s main chain, enhancing its performance. A novel ester-functionalized PCE (e-PCE) was synthesized using vinyl-terminated polyethylene glycol monoallyl ether (EPEG) as a reactive macromonomer. By adjusting poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PM) content, we produced e-PCE variants with different ester–ether ratios, characterized via molecular, adsorption, and rheological analyses. Results show that higher ester–ether ratios reduce initial dispersion but improve dispersion retention, with lower carboxyl density weakening adsorption capacity. Rheological, e-PCE reduces yield stress and plastic viscosity, enhancing flowability and thixotropy. Across cement types, e-PCE demonstrates superior adaptability and reduced sensitivity to cement type, water–cement ratio, and mud content, offering new insights and technical solutions for PCE application challenges.