Concrete mixtures incorporating synthesized sulfonated acetophenone–formaldehyde resin as superplasticizer

Polymers in concrete have received considerable attention over the past 25 years. Water-soluble sulfonated acetophenone–formaldehyde (SAF) resin was produced in the laboratory from the reaction between acetophenone–formaldehyde, and sodium bisulfite. Its performance as a concrete admixture was evaluated through its effect on the (w/c) ratio, air content, setting time, compressive strength at different ages, water absorption and permeable pores. Also, the performance of the concrete when subjected to acidic environment using sulfuric acid (pH = 4), and sulphate attack using magnesium sulphate (pH = 6.5) were investigated. SAF resin could be classified as a high-range water reducer with retarding effect (Type F and G according to ASTM C494). It was found that concrete mixtures incorporating SAF resin-based admixture yielded higher compressive strength results compared with the control concrete mixtures, as well as they are more resistant to aggressive environments investigated due to the higher resistance to water movement.