Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(1,3-dioxolane) Using Green Catalyst. Application as Superplasticizer or Dispersant in Cement Paste

1,3-Dioxolane polymer (PDXL) was synthesized using Halloysite, a natural clay material, as solid acid catalyst for cationic ring-opening polymerization. This catalyst was activated with 0.5 M sulfuric acid solution to increase its Br & oslash;nsted-type acidity. Polymerization of DXL was carried out in bulk under magnetic stirring at low temperature, leading to the formation of polydioxolane. The Halloysite and synthesized polymer were characterized by several techniques including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). To assess the dispersing power of the synthesized PDXL and its hydration activity, the setting time, consistence and compressive strength of cement paste and mortar containing poly(1,3-dioxolane) was studied, compared to the commercial polyethylene glycol (PEG) used as reference in this study. The results showed the retarding effect of PDXL on the setting times of cement paste, accompanied by a decrease in normal consistency, which allows its use as superplasticizer or dispersant agent. Thus, PDXL improved the compressive strength of cement mortar compared to PEG polymer effect.