University Chemistry ›› 2025, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (8): 315-322.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202410036

• Chemistry Laboratory • Previous Articles     Next Articles

“Hair-Trigger”: The Magical Collision of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers and Cement

Shengli Chen, Xinxin Zhao, Mingxue Xing, Xintai Li, Xiaojie Zhang, Xiuli Hu, Jimin Zhang   

  1. Hebei Key Laboratory of Functional Polymers, School of Chemical Engineering and Science, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300401, China
  • Received:2024-10-09 Accepted:2024-12-04 Published:2025-07-19
  • Contact: Shengli Chen E-mail:shenglichen@hebut.edu.cn

Abstract: Polycarboxylate superplasticizer is a key material driving the rapid development of concrete construction technology. This study demonstrates how the addition of superplasticizers significantly enhances the fluidity of cement slurry, sparking public interest and curiosity. By combining the “adsorption-dispersion” mechanism with interactive science outreach and animated visualization, we introduce the green synthesis process, the unique comb-like structure, and its application areas. This paper conveys the scientific concept that “structure determines performance, and performance determines application”, while promoting the idea of chemistry in everyday life and achieving effective multilevel popularization of science.

Key words: Superplasticizer, Cement, Concrete, Fluidity, Multilevel popularization of science