The prerequisite to synthesize PCE was to prepare new macromonomers with controlled molecular mass, adjustable hydrophilic-lipophilic groups, long-chain alkyl groups, and large terminal hydroxyl groups as well. Structural modifications in the molecular scale of polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) would lead to changes in properties of dispersion and water retention as well as enhancement in the compatibility of Portland cement and so on. This paper reviewed recent developments from synthetic methods of macromonomers as the initial step of production of PCE, PCE at room and elevated temperatures, and relationships between structure and properties of PCE. Through the analysis of references, it was found that PCE synthesized at room temperature had the same performance with PCE synthesized at elevated temperature in terms of conversion rate and initial dispersion in cement but broader molecular weight distribution. Conclusively, the dispersion of PCE in cement might be explained by multiple theories rather than a single one based on development trends as discussed in this paper.

中文翻译：

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聚羧酸类高效减水剂的合成进展

合成PCE的前提是要制备具有可控分子量，可调节亲水亲脂基团，长链烷基和大末端羟基的新型大分子单体。聚羧酸类减水剂（PCE）分子尺度的结构修饰将导致分散性能和保水性的变化，以及提高硅酸盐水泥的相容性等。本文回顾了大分子单体合成方法的最新进展，这些方法是在室温和高温下生产PCE，PCE的第一步，以及PCE的结构与性能之间的关系。通过对参考文献的分析，发现在室温下合成的PCE在转化率和初始在水泥中的分散方面具有与在高温下合成的PCE相同的性能，但是分子量分布更宽。结论是，PCE在水泥中的分散可能是用多种理论解释的，而不是本文所讨论的基于发展趋势的单一理论。