Abstract
Although the quality inspection method of polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCE) based on macroperformance is still widely used, it has the drawbacks of time-consuming and low precision. This study aims to develop a practicable alternative method for quality inspection of PCE. For this, spectra collection, feature extraction, and cluster analysis were performed up on the PCE samples to demonstrate the feasibility of the method. Also, a new similarity calculation method was introduced in this work. Results show that the solid PCE sample for spectrum collection can be prepared using the simple heating method. High-quality spectra can be rapidly collected by infrared spectrometer combined with ATR accessory. Meanwhile, the accuracy of classification and clustering is high, suggesting that the feature extraction method based on principal component analysis (PCA) is effective. In addition, compared with conventional similarity calculation methods of cosine angle and correlation coefficient, the new similarity calculation method achieves better classification results and better generalization ability. This work provides a method of quantitative analysis and rapid identification of PCE for the construction site.
Highlights
As an important concrete admixture, the water-reducing agent has been widely used in improving concrete performance. ey can improve the compressive strength by reducing the amount of water required [1]
These plasticizers have limited water-reducing effect and may bring potential problems to the concrete hardening process [2]. e new generation is polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE). ese superplasticizers are widely used in the construction site and studied in the academic field
It has been shown that principal component analysis (PCA) is an effective multivariate statistical approach for both dimension reduction and information retention. erefore, all attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the characteristic band
Summary
As an important concrete admixture, the water-reducing agent has been widely used in improving concrete performance. ey can improve the compressive strength by reducing the amount of water required [1]. Determination of authenticity for PCEs is traditionally a time-consuming and laborious process, typically using dispersion effect, adsorption amount, and setting times to characterize PCEs [6, 7] These methods can reflect the macroperformance and ensure the engineering performance of PCEs to some extent, they have some drawbacks. Different PCEs with same or similar macroperformance may exhibit distinct-different in-site performance, with regard of durability, strength, and workability of concrete due to molecular composition of PCE, resulting in structure diseases after long-term use [9]. Several techniques have been used to describe and determine the quality of the test sample, including colorimetric methods, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Hydrogen Spectrum (NMR), and Gas Chromatography Mass spectrometry These methods can identify the unique fingerprint information of samples, they have the disadvantages of time-consuming, expensive, or cumbersome operation. Different PCEs were compared by the similarity calculation formula, and acceptance threshold was established for each PCE. e results provide a rapid, accurate, and nondestructive method for quality control of PCE
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
