Prof.  Kung-Chung  Hsu
Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan Normal University,  China

Title: Synthesis of an Amphoteric Polymer as a Dispersant for Mortars contained Graphene Oxide

Abstract:

Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles possess good physical and chemical properties,  and have a novel application in construction engineering. Addition of GO could improve the mechanical strength and durability of mortars and concrete. However, GO was reported to be agglomerated in cement mixes. That would limit the performance of GO acting as a nano-reinforced additive. Up to now, water soluble polymers including air entraining agent, naphthalene sulfonate-based superplasticizer and polycarboxylate-based superplasticizer (PCA) were tested for the dispersion of GO. It indicated that PCA exhibited better dispersion-enhancing effects than other polymers. In this study, an amphoteric copolymer (PAS), was synthesized. The dispersion properties of PAS were examined by measuring the viscosity and sedimentation of GO in pore solutions, and by analyzing the particle sizes. The results indicated that PAS was effective and even better than PCA in dispersing the nanoparticles, for the resulting suspensions were less viscous, more stabilized, and contained GO with smaller particle sizes. Consequently, the mechanical strength of the resulting mortars with dispersed GO was improved.

Biography:

Dr. Kung-Chung Hsu is currently working as an adjunct professor in the of National Taiwan Normal University. He received PhD in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Penn State University, in 1985. He worked as a senior scientist in the R & D Department of China Steel Corp. in 1985-1990. He was an associated professor in 1990-1996, and a professor in 1996-2020 in the Department of Chemistry of National Taiwan Normal University. Dr. Hsu has research interests in (1) preparation and application of dispersing agents in ceramic materials, (2) preparation and development of superplasticizer and self-curing agents in concrete, and (3) preparation and application of nano powder and graphene/polymer composites. So far he has published more than 50 peer-reviewed papers and obtained over 20 patents.