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Volume Deformation Control of Concrete for Hydraulic Structures Using Polyurethane-Modified Polycarboxylate
Benkun Lu1,2, Jie Chen1,3, Shuncheng Xiang1
1School of Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Polyurethane-modified polycarboxylate (MPCE) significantly reduces concrete shrinkage by lowering pore solution surface tension. This advanced material offers superior control over volume deformation compared to conventional polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCE).
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Concrete performance is crucial for hydraulic engineering durability.
- Polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCE) enhance concrete properties, particularly water reduction.
- Controlling concrete shrinkage and volume deformation is essential for structural integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application and influence of polycarboxylate in concrete.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of polyurethane-modified polycarboxylate (MPCE) in reducing concrete shrinkage.
- To demonstrate MPCE's advantages over conventional PCE in volume deformation control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on polycarboxylate superplasticizers in concrete.
- Analysis of MPCE's chemical structure and action mechanism.
- Investigation into MPCE's effect on concrete pore solution surface tension and volume deformation.
Main Results:
- Polycarboxylate significantly reduces concrete shrinkage and controls volume deformation.
- MPCE demonstrates superior performance in inhibiting both autogenous and drying shrinkage compared to ordinary PCE.
- MPCE effectively reduces the surface tension of concrete pore solution.
Conclusions:
- MPCE offers superior shrinkage inhibition in concrete over conventional PCE.
- MPCE provides a scientific basis for its application in controlling concrete volume deformation.
- Understanding MPCE's mechanism aids in developing durable hydraulic engineering structures.
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