Abstract
In this work, new concrete superplasticizers based on crown ethers as the bulky pendant side chains have been prepared. First, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) and pentafluorophenyl methacrylate (PFPMA) was performed to prepare poly(MAA-co-PFPMA) as a precursor. A subsequent transesterification reaction with hydroxymethyl-crown ethers (CR) was performed to prepare poly(MAA-co-CR) superplasticizers with different crown ether side chains, namely 12-crown-4 (12CR4), 15-crown-5 (15CR5), and 18-crown-6 (16CR6). The prepared copolymers were characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) to confirm their structure and elucidate their molecular weights, respectively. Rheological studies and fluidity measurements revealed that the ring size of crown ether plays a crucial role in enhancing the dispersion and workability retention of cement pastes. It has been found that a moderate ring size can result in the highest cement flowability and workability retention performance, and thus polymers with this pendant group could be of potential interest in the concrete industry as novel superplasticizers containing new pendant groups.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
