Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer (PCE) is the highest-performance water-reducing admixture available for modern concrete, providing 25–35% water reduction at low dosage with extended slump retention and strong early-strength contribution. Definly Chemicals manufactures and supplies a full range of PCE finished products tailored for ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) applications.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Definly PCE is produced in our Shandong factory using PCE macromonomer (TPEG / HPEG / EPEG), acrylic acid, and 2-HEA from our integrated raw-material supply chain — ensuring batch-to-batch consistency and traceability that matters for engineering-grade concrete.
Quick Facts
| Product Type | Polycarboxylate Ether Superplasticizer (PCE) |
| Synonyms | PCE, PCE-HRWR, Polycarboxylate Polymer Admixture |
| Solid Content Options | 40% / 50% (liquid); 98% (powder, on request) |
| Appearance | Light yellow to brown clear viscous liquid |
| Density | 1.05–1.10 g/cm³ |
| pH | 5.0–7.0 |
| Water Reduction | 25–35% at 0.2–0.5% bwc |
| Recommended Dosage | 0.8–2.5% of admixture (by cement weight) |
| Packaging | 1000 kg IBC / 200 kg drum / ISO tank (24 MT) |
| MOQ | 5 MT (drums) / 1 ISO tank (bulk) |
| Lead Time | 10–15 days |
PCE Grades Available
| Grade | Use Case | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Standard PCE | Ready-mix concrete, general-purpose | Balanced water reduction and slump retention |
| Retarding PCE | Mass concrete, hot-weather concreting | Extended setting time, low heat of hydration |
| Slump-Retaining PCE | Long-haul transport, summer ready-mix | 2–3 hour slump retention |
| High-Early-Strength PCE | Precast concrete, fast turnover formwork | Accelerated 6–24h strength gain |
| UHPC-Grade PCE | Ultra-high-performance concrete (>120 MPa) | Very low w/c (<0.20), maximum dispersion |
Technical Specifications (Standard 40% Liquid)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Solid Content | 40±1.0% |
| Density (20°C) | 1.05–1.10 g/cm³ |
| pH | 5.0–7.0 |
| Chloride Ion (Cl⁻) | ≤0.05% |
| Total Alkali (Na₂O eq.) | ≤1.5% |
| Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) | ≤0.05% |
| Compatibility | Compatible with retarders, accelerators, AEAs |
Applications
- Ready-mix concrete — high-strength, durable concrete with controlled slump retention for long-haul delivery.
- Precast concrete — fast formwork release with high-early-strength PCE grades for production lines requiring 6–24h demolding.
- Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) — specialty PCE grades for w/c ratios below 0.20 and compressive strengths above 120 MPa.
- Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) — high-flow concrete for densely reinforced structural elements.
- Mass concrete and dam concreting — retarding PCE grades for low heat of hydration and reduced thermal cracking.
Why Choose Definly PCE
- Vertically integrated supply chain — our PCE is made from our own macromonomer (TPEG/HPEG/EPEG), 2-HEA, and acrylic acid, eliminating multi-source variability.
- Custom formulation service — tailored PCE grades for your specific cement, aggregates, and climate conditions.
- ISO tank shipping — bulk economic shipment to PCE distributors and ready-mix groups across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
- Concrete trial support — our technical team supports trial batches and dosage optimization with your local cement.
- Documentation — full COA, MSDS, GB 8076 / ASTM C494 compliance certifications, and Certificate of Origin (Form E / Form F).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does PCE compare with traditional SNF naphthalene superplasticizer?
PCE achieves 25–35% water reduction at 0.2–0.5% dosage by cement weight, while SNF achieves 18–25% at 0.5–1.0% dosage. PCE also provides longer slump retention and higher early strength, making it the preferred choice for high-performance and engineering concrete. SNF remains popular in price-sensitive markets due to lower unit cost.
What is the typical PCE dosage?
For 40% solid PCE, typical dosage is 0.8–2.5% of admixture by cement weight (equivalent to 0.32–1.0% PCE solids). Optimum dosage depends on cement chemistry, w/c ratio, and target slump. Definly recommends concrete trial batches to determine final dosage for each project.
Can Definly customize PCE for my specific cement?
Yes. Our R&D team formulates custom PCE molecular structures (varying side-chain length, charge density, and inhibitor type) to optimize compatibility with specific cements, including high-C₃A cements, blended cements with fly ash or slag, and limestone-calcined-clay cements (LC3).
Is Definly PCE compliant with international standards?
Yes. Definly PCE meets the requirements of GB 8076-2008 (China), ASTM C494 Type F (US, high-range water reducer), and EN 934-2 Type 11 (Europe). Compliance certificates are issued with each shipment.
What is the shelf life of liquid PCE?
12 months from production date when stored in sealed containers at 5–35°C, away from direct sunlight and freezing temperatures. Liquid PCE may freeze below 0°C; once thawed and remixed, it generally recovers normal performance, but trial verification is recommended.
Related on This Site
Related Products
- PCE Macromonomer (TPEG / HPEG / EPEG)
- 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (2-HEA)
- Acrylic Acid (AA)
- SNF Naphthalene Sulfonate
- Sodium Gluconate (Industrial)
Related Applications
- Ready-Mix Concrete Concrete Applications
- Precast Concrete Concrete Applications
- UHPC Concrete Applications
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