Research on the Impact of Polycarboxylate Superplasticizers on the Surface Roughness of Cementitious Materials

Abstract

As the construction industry increasingly demands higher performance in both the structural integrity and aesthetics of buildings, the performance requirements for cement materials also intensify. Superplasticizers have proven effective in enhancing the properties of cementitious materials. In this study, cementitious materials of silicate cement mixed with varying proportions of polycarboxylate superplasticizer (0/100, 1/100, 2/100, 3/100, 4/100, 5/100) were prepared with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.5 under environmental conditions of approximately 22°C and 72% RH. After about 18 hours of hydration, the surface profiles of these materials were measured using a 3D profilometer. The results indicate that the cementitious materials with a superplasticizer-to-cement mass ratio of 4/100 exhibited the lowest surface roughness values in terms of Rq, Ra, and Rt, suggesting this ratio minimizes surface roughness. This study explores the effect of different dosages of polycarboxylate superplasticizers on the surface profile of cementitious materials, providing a theoretical reference for the improvement of cement materials.