Synthesis and properties of hyperbranched solid polycarboxylate superplasticizer

Abstract In this paper, a novel strategy for the preparation of solid polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PC-3) with hyperbranched structures was proposed. PC-3 was synthesized by bulk polymerization method under a redox initiation system. Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) with an initiating group, as a soluble vinyl monomer was introduced to copolymerize with acrylic acid (AA) and isobutyl alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (HPEG). The reaction mechanism of the system initiated by ammonium persulfate (APS) and DMAEMA was explored, and the formation process of the hyperbranched structure was investigated. The experimental results show that the hyperbranched solid polycarboxylate superplasticizer has a high water-reducing rate and good slump retention. It can be applied in cement-based grouting materials well.