Neutron Tomography Measurements of Water Release from Superabsorbent Polymers in Cement Paste

Title: Neutron Tomography Measurements of Water Release from Superabsorbent Polymers in Cement Paste
Author(s): P. Trtik, B. Muench, W.J. Weiss, G. Herth, A. Kaestner, E. Lehmann, P. Lura
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Conference on Material Science
Editor(s): W. Brameshuber
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-110-0
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-111-7
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2010
Pages: 175 - 185
Total Pages: 11
Nb references: 20
Language: English

Abstract: Internal curing of high-performance concrete (i.e., concrete with a low water to cement ratio (w/c)) can be effectively achieved with superabsorbent polymers (SAP). The SAP are added dry during mixing, absorb part of the mixing water and form water-filled inclusions in the concrete. After setting, the SAP release water as needed during the first few days of hydration, thereby limiting self-desiccation and autogenous shrinkage. For internal curing to be efficient, the water must be released from the SAP at the appropriate time and the SAP must be well dispersed, since water can only travel a limited distance in a hardening cement paste with low w/c. In this study, the emptying of SAP in a low w/c cement paste was monitored with neutron tomography. The measurements show that the SAP start emptying around setting time and release most of the water in the first day of hydration.

Online publication: 2010-12-02
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00