Study on mechanical strength and early hydration properties of cement paste modified by polycarboxylate superplasticizer with slump retention

The polycarboxylate superplasticizer with slump retention capabilities (PCE-SR) may significantly enhance concrete cohesiveness and construction performance because of its high water reduction rate and outstanding slump retention. In order to explore the effective mechanism of PCE-SR on cement paste, this paper investigates the influence of PCE-SR on the mechanical strength and microstructure of hardened cement. The results indicate that PCE-SR might effectively reduce cement water usage and the water reduction rate by as much as 30%. With the addition of PCE-SR, the mechanical strength of hardened cement paste was improved and the hydration process and hydration heat were reduced. In addition, the microstructure of hardened cement paste might be enhanced with PCE-SR added due to reduced porosity of the hardened specimens.