Abstract:To promote the performance of polycarboxylate superplasticizer(PCE) as well as to apply PCE safely and efficiently are important development directions of concrete admixtures. Therefore, the deep understanding on working mechanism of PCE is necessary. The electrostatic repulsion effect and steric hindrance effect of PCE were reviewed. Meanwhile, the structure activity relationship of PCE was summarized based on the steric hindrance effect. Finally, the three possible mechanisms of PCE including the effects of wetting, lubrication and depletion is proposed.