According to the structure of its main chain, polycarboxylic acid-based superplasticizer products can be divided into two categories: one is a polyether with acrylic or methacrylic acid as the main chain and grafts with different side chain lengths. The other type is polyethers with maleic anhydride as the main link and different side chain lengths. Based on this, a series of high-performance water-reducer products with different characteristics were derived.

Prior to the appearance of polycarboxylic acid admixtures, there were lignosulphonate admixtures, naphthalene sulphonate formaldehyde condensates, melamine formaldehyde polycondensates, acetone sulphonate formaldehyde condensates, and sulphamate formaldehyde condensates. In the early 1980s, Japan took the lead in the successful development of polycarboxylate superplasticizers. The new generation of polycarboxylate superplasticizers overcomes some of the disadvantages of conventional water reducers. It has the advantages of low dosage, good tanning property, low concrete shrinkage, strong tunability on the molecular structure, and high performance. The process does not use the outstanding advantages of formaldehyde.