journal article·2025-10-09

Synthesis and performance evaluation of a superplasticizer prepared from coal-based humic acid

Zhicai Wang, Cong Zhou, Chunxiu Pan, Jingchong Yan, Zhanku Li, Zhiping Lei, Shibiao Ren, Xiaoling Wang, Hengfu Shui

Advances in Cement Research· Volume 37· Issue 10
Publisher page

Abstract

Superplasticizers (SPs) are indispensable in modern concrete technology. A novel, cost-effective method for synthesizing a high-performance SP using coal-based humic acid (CHA) derived from lignite is presented. Through oxidative depolymerization of lignite to prepare CHA, followed by sulfomethylation and condensation reactions, a CHA-based SP (called SP(CHA)) was successfully developed. Structural characterization confirmed the successful synthesis of CHA and its transformation into SP(CHA). Notably, the CHA demonstrated superior sulfomethylation reactivity compared with a commercially available sodium humate (NaA). Performance evaluations showed that the synthesized SP(CHA) outperformed both a commercial sulfonated naphthalene–formaldehyde condensate and SP(NaA) in terms of water-reduction efficiency, slump retention, and enhanced long-term compressive strength. Specifically, SP(CHA) achieved a water-reducing rate of 16.4% and a 28-day compressive strength improvement of 23.2%, exceeding the benchmarks for high-efficiency water reducers. By harnessing abundant and low-cost lignite resources, the approach holds substantial promise for advancing sustainable construction practices.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Anhui University of Technology School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui Key laboratory of Clean Coal Conversion & Utilization, , Ma’anshan,

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Key Scientific Research Foundation of the Education Department of Anhui Province

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