Production of high-performance concrete through the addition of new generation of superplasticizers: a comprehensive review on the electrokinetics and rheological behaviors

The advancement of superplasticizers is considered a significant innovation in the construction sector, which has facilitated the creation of high-quality concrete. The construction industry has a pressing need for the development of high-performance concrete. Notwithstanding their utility, the present superplasticizers encounter a number of obstacles, including but not limited to challenges in regulating the water–cement ratio, flowability, segregation, and expense. It is imperative for both academia and the construction industry to prioritize addressing these challenges. The potential of developing superplasticizers with exceptional properties has attracted the interest of many researchers in the past few years. Accordingly, the objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the state of the art of superplasticizers, with a particular emphasis on the evolution of various types of superplasticizers, plasticizing mechanisms, and their applications in the construction sector. Electrokinetics, rheology, and flow properties of cements and concrete mixtures containing different superplasticizers are critically evaluated, and various parameters such as zeta potential, adsorption, flowability, hydration, and non-Newtonian behavior are discussed. Finally, future perspectives of the impact of using superplasticizers on cement paste, water-to-cement ratio, and enhancing the overall performance of concrete have been outlined.