Advancements in Water Reducing Agents: From Lignin-based to Polycarboxylate-based for Improved Concrete Performance

Concrete admixture is an important guarantee for the improvement of concrete performance. As an important admixture, water reducing agent can significantly improve the workability and physical and mechanical properties of concrete.

The first-generation lignin-based ordinary water-reducing agent has a low water-reducing rate, which will generate a large number of air bubbles and increase the retardation of concrete, and is gradually eliminated; the second-generation water-soluble resin-based high-efficiency water-reducing agent has a water-reducing rate of 20%. It can be compounded with other types of water reducing agents, but a large amount of formaldehyde will be generated during the synthesis, which is not conducive to environmental protection; the third generation polycarboxylate water reducing agent has high water reducing rate, low dosage, good slump, Concrete has small shrinkage, safety and environmental protection and other performance advantages, and it is gradually popularized and applied in highway engineering.