The effect of a blended polycarboxylate superplasticizer on the rheology of self-compacting concrete paste

2018FEREC-STD-023 Superplasticizers (SPs) are generally used as admixtures in Self-compacting concrete (SCC) and are added to cement systems to achieve the desired workability without increasing the water content. <br> The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of a blend of two polycarboxylate (PCE) superplasticizers on the rheological behavior of three different OPC cement pastes.<br> It was found that sulphate had an effect on SP adsorption and that the PCE SP with the greater average molecular weight within the blend displayed a stronger affinity towards the cement particles, therefore the desired fluidity could be achieved by tailoring the proportion of SP-polymers. <br>