Preliminary results about 3D distribution of superabsorbent polymers in mortars

Title: Preliminary results about 3D distribution of superabsorbent polymers in mortars
Author(s): P. Lura, G. Ye, V. Cnudde, P. Jacobs
Paper category : conference
Book title: International Conference on Microstructure Related Durability of Cementitious Composites
Editor(s): W. Sun, K. van Breugel, C. Miao, G. Ye and H. Chen
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-065-3
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-084-4
Publisher: RILEM Publications
Publication year: 2008
Pages: 1341 - 1348
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 15
Language: English

Abstract: Water entrainment by means of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is a recent technique developed for avoiding early-age cracking of high-performance concrete. The dry SAP particles, upon contact with the mixing water, absorb pore fluid and swell, becoming 2 to 3 times larger. The SAP form stable water-filled macropore inclusions in the fresh concrete, which keep the internal relative humidity of the concrete high and prevent self-desiccation shrinkage during hardening. Addition of SAP has also proved useful for increasing freezethaw resistance of concrete by acting in a similar way as air entrainment. In view of the efficiency of both internal curing and frost protection, it is essential to know the dimension of the SAP in the swollen state and their spatial distribution in the concrete.
In this paper, X-ray microtomography is employed to study the particle size distribution of SAP and their three-dimensional distribution in high-performance mortars. These experimental results may be used to verify models about the behaviour of the SAP in concrete.

Online publication: 2009-06-09
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00