Synthesis of novel polymer nano-particles and their interaction with cement

Polymer nano-particles (PNPs) with particle size range of 29.4-52.7 nm were synthesized via emulsion polymerization. The mini-cone tests were conducted to evaluate the dispersion capability of PNPs in fresh cement pastes (fcps). Interactions of PNPs with cement were studied by measurements of total organic carbon, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, calorimetry and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Results show that the prepared PNPs can be adsorbed on to cement surface and improve fluidity of fcps effectively. The addition of PNPs leads to lesser retardation effect on cement hydration than popularly used polycarboxylate superplasticizers and reduces pore connectivity of micro-pores in hardened cement pastes. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.