Sono-mechanical activation-assisted proton-catalyzed self-polymerization of AMPS in water: Hydrogel formation and its application as a functional additive in ordinary Portland cement†

Key Points

• The aim is to develop a green method for polymerizing AMPS using ultrasound without chemical initiators.
• Utilized low-frequency ultrasound (20 ± 3 kHz) in aqueous solution
• Focused on polymerization of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS)
• Explored the application of resulting hydrogels in cement
• Successfully polymerized AMPS without chemical initiators
• Formed hydrogels that can be used in ordinary Portland cement
• Demonstrated a greener alternative to traditional polymerization methods