Comparing polycarboxylate and -phosphate ethers as stabilizers for C-S-H based cement accelerators
Deffner L, Kopf S, Stahl V, Singer M, Collin M, Jansen D, Gädt T (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 210
Article Number: 108390
DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2026.108390
Abstract
Polymer-stabilized calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) nanoseed suspensions accelerate cement hydration and support the early strength of low-clinker binders. Their performance is governed by two largely independent parameters: the chemical nature of the comb polymer’s anionic anchor, and the concentration of free, non-adsorbed polymer remaining in suspension. By evaluating carboxylate- and phosphate-based copolymers, we demonstrate that phosphate anchors produce smaller, more stable primary CSH particles and adsorb more completely. Within the carboxylate family, longer polymer side chains reinforce these effects through stronger steric stabilization. Crucially, we show that high free-polymer concentrations retard the silicate reaction and perturb early aluminate hydration by enhancing ettringite formation. The independence of this free-polymer parameter is confirmed by a controlled dosage reduction, which converts a strong retarder into an accelerator without altering the seed chemistry. By separating anchor chemistry and free-polymer concentration as independent design parameters, this study reframes the rational design of polymer-stabilized CSH nanoseed suspensions for acceleration performance and dosage efficiency.
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Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Deffner, L., Kopf, S., Stahl, V., Singer, M., Collin, M., Jansen, D., & Gädt, T. (2026). Comparing polycarboxylate and -phosphate ethers as stabilizers for C-S-H based cement accelerators. Cement and Concrete Research, 210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2026.108390
MLA:
Deffner, Lukas, et al. "Comparing polycarboxylate and -phosphate ethers as stabilizers for C-S-H based cement accelerators." Cement and Concrete Research 210 (2026).
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