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Rheology of Low Clinker Concretes with Tailored Superplasticiser Polymers: Control and Modelling of Viscosity and Thixotropic Structural Build-up

Nicia D, Rudolph JV, Fobbe N, Schreiber J, Jansen D, Lowke D (2026)

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Publication Type: Book chapter / Article in edited volumes

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH

Edited Volumes: Opus Fluidum Futurum—Rheology of Reactive, Multiscale, Multiphase Construction Materials

Series: Lecture Notes in Applied and Computational Mechanics

Book Volume: 105

Pages Range: 149-178

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-15391-3_6

Abstract

This research aimed to understand and describe the effect of the molecular structure of Polycarboxylate ether superplasticisers (PCE) on the thixotropic structural build-up and the viscosity of low clinker concretes (LCC). We investigated non-commercial PCE superplasticisers with varying side chain lengths, densities, and backbone lengths. Thixotropic structural build-up and viscosity were determined in an application-oriented approach of constant workability, i.e. slump flow, adjusted by the PCE dosage. The investigations were carried out on paste, mortar, and concrete scale. Additionally, colloidal particle interactions, hydration kinetics, and the particle microstructure were quantified. The key colloidal and contact interactions modified by the PCE were identified to bridge the gap between effects at the nano-scale (PCE molecular parameters, colloidal interactions, hydration) and the macro-scale (rheological properties, particularly viscosity and thixotropic structural build-up). The objective was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of PCE molecular structure on thixotropy and viscosity in low clinker binder systems with high SCM contents, to control the fresh properties of concrete, and to enable predictions crucial for future applications of LCC.

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How to cite

APA:

Nicia, D., Rudolph, J.V., Fobbe, N., Schreiber, J., Jansen, D., & Lowke, D. (2026). Rheology of Low Clinker Concretes with Tailored Superplasticiser Polymers: Control and Modelling of Viscosity and Thixotropic Structural Build-up. In Viktor Mechtcherine, Shravan Muthukrishnan, Daniil Mikhalev (Eds.), Opus Fluidum Futurum—Rheology of Reactive, Multiscale, Multiphase Construction Materials. (pp. 149-178). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH.

MLA:

Nicia, David, et al. "Rheology of Low Clinker Concretes with Tailored Superplasticiser Polymers: Control and Modelling of Viscosity and Thixotropic Structural Build-up." Opus Fluidum Futurum—Rheology of Reactive, Multiscale, Multiphase Construction Materials. Ed. Viktor Mechtcherine, Shravan Muthukrishnan, Daniil Mikhalev, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2026. 149-178.

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