Technical optimization and life cycle assessment of environment-friendly superplasticizer for concrete engineering

Abstract

With the rapid development of the construction industry, it is necessary to synthesize environment-friendly functional polymers, especially when developing “green” construction industry types. Herein a novel solid-state polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) with low energy-consumption was designed and synthesized. In industrial application, solid-state PCE has exhibited better cement paste fluidity and concrete slump compared to liquid-state PCE. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of the PCE synthesis, the packaging materials used, and the transportation of the PCE were conducted based on the ReCiPe method. The results indicated that liquid-state PCE has a far greater environmental impact at >60% than solid-state PCE, which is less significant at <40%. The inventory data that are associated with the production of the new polymer are disclosed for the first time to enrich the related database in this field. This study demonstrates the optimization of the state and synthesis technique of a functional polymer, improving the performance and lowering the environmental impacts involved in producing the polymer, while reducing the risks to human health and protecting the ecosystem at the same time.