Preparation, application and water reducing mechanism of a novel fluorescent superplasticizer with improved flow retaining ability and clay tolerance

Novel fluorescent polycarboxylate superplasticizer modified by anhydride naphthalene groups was prepared, and characterized by ¹H NMR and FTIR. Fluidity behaviors of cement suspensions mixed with the polycarboxylate indicated that the superplasticizer not only exhibited good fluidity maintaining properties but also demonstrated stable performance in the coexistence of clay. The addition of quaternary ammonium salt polymer can inhibit the water absorption and expansion of clay. Adsorption amounts, adsorption layer thickness and zeta potential were determined to elucidate the water reducing mechanism. The adsorbed layer thickness was linked to the steric hindrance, deciding the dispersing ability and dispersing retention ability.