Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) dispersants are a relatively recent development. They consist of a backbone that contains functional groups, such as carboxylates or sulphonates, that adsorb on the surface of cement grains. The pendant side chains have a high affinity for water and extend into the aqueous phase of the slurry. The side chains prevent the cement grains from interacting with each other via a steric effect.
The performance of these dispersants can be tailored to specific applications by modifying the following parameters:
- The length of the polymer backbone
- The types and percentages of different monomers in the backbone
- The number of side chains per monomer unit along the back bone
- The length of the side chains
