Effect of Absorptivity of Superabsorbent Polymers on Design of Cement Mortars

Abstract

The functional properties of composites modified by superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) strongly depend on the swelling capacity of applied SAPs. In this sense, three types of commercially available SAPs namely Cablock CT, Hydropam, and Creasorb SIS with different chemical composition and particle size distribution were studied in this manuscript to reveal the differences in absorptivity as can be viewed as pretests for their utilization in concrete composites. In addition, absorptivity in distilled water, tap water, and 0.1 M NaCl solution are examined for determining the SAPs response for the change of the solution pH. To overcome problems with the teabag method inaccuracy, the new method is introduced. Besides to quantitative evaluation of the SAPs absorptivity, the correlation for the absorption and desorption period as the function of SAPs residence time within the examined solution is proposed. To access the effect of selected SAPs on functional properties, optimization based on the flow table test is employed and mechanical parameters are determined after 7, 14, 28, and 90 days of curing. Obtained results refer to substantial differences between particular SAPs and contribute to the understanding of the effect of SAP on the functional properties of cement-based materials.

Functional Properties of SAP-Based Humidity Control Plasters

“…The summarized results given in Table 1 also provide information about absorption capacity of particular SAPs in cement solution w/c = 5. As one can see, Cabloc CT exhibited the highest level of absorption, while Creasorb and Hydropam reached similar results in The absorption capability in distilled and tap water by the modified particular SAPs was reported in detail in Fořt et al [41], obtained from the modified filtration experiment. The summarized results given in Table 1 also provide information about absorption capacity of particular SAPs in cement solution w/c = 5.…”

“…Beside the differences in particle size distribution, Hydropam SAP also exhibited a rougher sur face than the other two materials. The absorption capability in distilled and tap water by the modified particular SAP was reported in detail in Fořt et al [41], obtained from the modified filtration experiment The summarized results given in Table 1 also provide information about absorption ca pacity of particular SAPs in cement solution w/c = 5. As one can see, Cabloc CT exhibited the highest level of absorption, while Creasorb and Hydropam reached similar results in tion of SAPs was determined by a laser particle size analyzer, Bettersizer S3 Plus (Bettersize Instruments Ltd., Liaoning, China), working on the laser diffraction principle with a measuring range from 0.01 µm to 3,500 µm.…”

“…The absorption capability in distilled and tap water by the modified particular SAPs was reported in detail in Fořt et al [ 41 ], obtained from the modified filtration experiment. The summarized results given in Table 1 also provide information about absorption capacity of particular SAPs in cement solution w/c = 5.…”

Chloride Diffusion in Concrete Modified with Polyacrylic Superabsorbent Polymer (SAP) Hydrogel—The Influence of the Water-to-Cement Ratio and SAP-Entrained Water

“…Internal curing in concrete technology was introduced to positively influence the durability of high-performance concretes [37][38][39]. With an increase in the amount of the binder within the composite, a reduction in the water amount, and an increase in the mass of fine aggregate, the influence of autogenous shrinkage on composite's properties and durability had to be, among the influence of others, mitigated [20].…”

Microstructure Formation of Cement Mortars Modified by Superabsorbent Polymers

“…As reported, the application of internal curing agents may increase the level of cement hydration and thus improve the hardening of the matrix. Among others, SAPs have attracted eminent attention as internal curing agents with a great swelling capability that allows the absorption of more than a hundred times its weight of water or aqueous solutions [ 13 , 14 ]. The principle of the internal curing maintained by SAPs is based on the continuous release of moisture during the curing period and also the compensation of internal moisture loss induced by the formation of cement hydration products.…”