Abstract: Unique, well defined macromonomers containing hydroxyl-functionality, unsaturation-functionality, and polyoxyalkylene segments are prepared by oxyalkylating an unsaturated initiator molecule having at least one oxyalkylatable hydrogen in the presence of an effective amount of a double metal cyanide complex catalyst, optionally, when necessary, in the presence of a free radical polymerization inhibitor. The resulting unsaturated macromonomers are eminently suitable for such uses as copolymerization with ethylenically unsaturated monomers containing carboxylic acid-based groups such as acrylic acid to form effective superplasticizers and water reducers for cement and concrete applications.

Abstract: Substances useful as water reducing and superplasticizer additives for cement compositions are formed by in situ polymerization of one or more ethylenically unsaturated acid monomers such as acrylic acid or maleic anhydride in a reaction medium comprising a polyether such as polypropylene glycol or a copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide to form a carboxylic acid polymer, followed by reaction of the polyether and carboxylic acid polymer. The composition and properties of the resulting additives may be readily varied as desired through the use of different acid monomers, polyethers, reaction conditions, reagent proportions and the like.

Abstract: There is provided a cement composition having improved fluidity comprising cement and an addition copolymer of (a) an adduct of a polyether polyol and an ethylenically unsaturated isocyanate with (b) an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid.