What does double bond retention mean for PCE macromonomer?

Double bond retention (DBR) measures the percentage of active vinyl or allyl groups preserved in the macromonomer. Only these groups react during PCE polymerization. A DBR below 90% means wasted material and inconsistent PCE performance. Definly Chemicals supplies macromonomer with DBR ≥96%.

What is the difference between TPEG, HPEG, and APEG macromonomer?

TPEG has a vinyl terminal group and the highest reactivity, suited for high water-reduction PCE. HPEG has an allyl group with moderate reactivity, better for slump retention applications. APEG is the most cost-effective option for mid-range admixtures.

What is the minimum order quantity for PCE macromonomer?

Sample orders start from 1 MT. Standard commercial orders start from 5 MT per grade.

PCE Macromonomer (TPEG / HPEG / EPEG) Manufacturer

Definly Chemicals manufactures TPEG, HPEG, and EPEG macromonomer — the polyethylene glycol side-chain building blocks of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizers. Our macromonomer ships in molecular weights from 1,000 to 5,000 g/mol with tight specification tolerances, supporting PCE polymerization plants and concrete admixture compounders worldwide.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Quick Facts

Product Type	Polycarboxylate Ether Macromonomer
Variants	TPEG, HPEG, EPEG
Molecular Weight (Mn)	1,000 – 5,000 g/mol (custom specs available)
Appearance	White flakes or paste (TPEG/HPEG); pale yellow viscous liquid (EPEG)
Water Content	≤ 0.5%
Free PEG Content	≤ 5%
Hydroxyl Value	Match to specified Mn
Packaging	25 kg bags (TPEG/HPEG flake), 200 kg drums, 1,000 kg IBC, ISO tank
Sample MOQ	1 MT
FCL MOQ	20 MT
FOB Port	Qingdao or Shanghai

The Three Macromonomer Chemistries

All three macromonomers share the same polyethylene glycol (PEG) side-chain function in finished PCE. What differs is the polymerizable head group, which determines copolymerization kinetics with acrylic acid and the molecular structure of the resulting PCE.

TPEG — 3-Methyl-3-buten-1-ol Polyoxyethylene Ether

The dominant macromonomer in global PCE production. Methallyl-type vinyl head group with moderate steric hindrance. Best general-purpose choice for ready-mix and precast PCE. Molecular weight typically 2,400–5,000 g/mol.

HPEG — Methallyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether

Less sterically hindered head group, leading to faster copolymerization and shorter polymerization windows. Preferred for high-early-strength PCE grades and producers prioritizing throughput. Molecular weight typically 1,000–3,000 g/mol.

EPEG — 4-Hydroxybutyl Vinyl Ether Polyoxyethylene Ether

Vinyl ether functionality with distinct copolymerization kinetics. Forces alternating copolymerization with acrylic acid, producing an unusually regular comb structure with excellent cement compatibility. Often selected for UHPC and high-spec PCE designs. Molecular weight typically 2,400–4,000 g/mol.

Application: PCE Polymerization

The macromonomer copolymerizes with acrylic acid, optionally 2-HEA, and other monomers under aqueous free-radical conditions. 3-Mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) is typically added as the chain transfer agent to control molecular weight. The resulting PCE polymer is then neutralized to working pH and packaged as finished PCE superplasticizer at 40% solid content.

How to Choose Specifications

Standard ready-mix PCE — 2,400–3,000 g/mol TPEG balances dispersion power and slump retention.
High-early-strength precast PCE — 1,000–2,400 g/mol HPEG provides faster cement particle dispersion at early hydration.
UHPC and ultra-low w/b applications — 4,000–5,000 g/mol TPEG, or specialized EPEG grades for extreme water reduction.
Difficult cements (high-C3A, blended cements with fly ash) — EPEG-based PCE often outperforms TPEG-based PCE due to alternating structure.

For deeper technical guidance, see our article TPEG vs HPEG vs EPEG: Choosing the Right PCE Macromonomer.

Sourcing & Logistics

Definly ships TPEG and HPEG as flake (25 kg woven bags, palletized) and EPEG as liquid (1,000 kg IBC or ISO tank). FCL pricing typically 8–15% below European distributor offers. Sample orders accepted at 1 MT for laboratory evaluation; bulk orders start at 20 MT FCL.

Multi-product mixed FCL shipments are common for PCE compounders building complete supply chains: a typical container might combine 8 MT TPEG + 3 MT 2-HEA + 5 MT sodium gluconate + 2 MT 3-MPA + 2 MT acrylic acid for full container utilization. For market-specific logistics options, see our India, Southeast Asia, and Europe pages.

Documentation Provided

Each shipment includes Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Mill Test Certificate / Certificate of Analysis per batch (Mn, hydroxyl value, water content, free PEG, unsaturation degree), MSDS in target market language, Certificate of Origin (Form E for ASEAN, GSP Form A where applicable), and dangerous goods declaration where required. See our Certifications & Compliance page for the full standards framework.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TPEG, HPEG, and EPEG macromonomer?

TPEG (3-Methyl-3-buten-1-ol Polyoxyethylene Ether) is the most widely used macromonomer with balanced reactivity and broad performance window. HPEG (Methallyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether) reacts faster, suiting high-early-strength PCE. EPEG (4-Hydroxybutyl Vinyl Ether Polyoxyethylene Ether) gives the most uniform comb structure and best cement compatibility.

What molecular weight macromonomer should I order?

For standard ready-mix PCE, 2,400-3,000 g/mol TPEG is most common. For high-early-strength precast PCE, 1,000-2,400 g/mol HPEG is preferred. For UHPC, 4,000-5,000 g/mol TPEG or specialized EPEG grades give the extreme water reduction needed for w/b below 0.20.

What is the typical MOQ for PCE macromonomer?

Sample orders start at 1 MT (drum or IBC packaging). Bulk orders move to 20 MT FCL or 16-24 MT ISO tank. Buyers consolidating multiple PCE inputs in mixed-FCL shipments often start at 5-8 MT macromonomer.

What documentation comes with macromonomer shipments?

Each shipment includes Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Mill Test Certificate / COA per batch (with Mn, hydroxyl value, water content, free PEG content), MSDS in target market language, Certificate of Origin (Form E for ASEAN, GSP Form A where applicable), and dangerous goods declaration where required.

How long does sea transit from Qingdao take to my port?

Standard Qingdao transit: India (Nhava Sheva, Mundra) 15-25 days; Southeast Asia (Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Manila) 5-15 days; Middle East (Jebel Ali, Dammam) 18-22 days; Europe (Hamburg, Rotterdam, Antwerp) 25-30 days. Add 10-15 days production lead time for total order-to-port window.

Request a Quote

Email [email protected] or WhatsApp +86 186 6370 6930 with your specification target (TPEG/HPEG/EPEG, molecular weight), volume, and destination port. We respond within 24 business hours. For complex inquiries (custom molecular weight, multi-product FCL consolidation) we typically deliver a detailed proposal within 2–3 business days. Use our contact form for written inquiries.

Related on This Site

Related Applications

Group Company: WIS Biotech, part of the same manufacturing group, supplies food-grade and feed-grade sodium gluconate for nutrition, food fortification, and specialty applications where industrial-grade purity is insufficient.