Effectiveness of the Use of Polymers in High-Performance Concrete Containing Silica Fume

The incorporation of polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer (PCE)-type polymers and silica fume (SF) in high-performance concretes (HPC) leads to remarkable rheological and mechanical improvements. In the fresh state, PCEs are adsorbed on cement particles and dispersants, promoting the workability of the concrete. Silica fume enables very well-compacted concrete to be obtained, which is characterized by high mechanical parameters in its hardened state. Some PCEs are incompatible with silica fume, which can result in slump loss and poor rheological behavior. The main objective of this research is to study the influence of three types of PCEs, which all have different molecular architectures, on the rheological and mechanical behavior of high-performance concretes containing 10% SF as a partial replacement of cement. The results show that the carboxylic density of PCE has an influence on its compatibility with SF.