Abstract
The paper presents preliminary results of the larger research project focused on the combined effect of SCMs and Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) on the performance of cement based mortars.
Although the use of SAP as internal curing agents in concrete has been widely documented in the literature for over a decade their suitability for general use is still not clearly articulated and cohesive. There is a clear need to assess the performance of SAP modified mortars made of the increasingly popular blended cements, in particular fly ash/Portland cement.
The paper focuses on the effects of two SAPs with different affinity for water on the microstructural features of mortars containing fly ash (PFA) (30%, 40% and 50%). Microstructural features of composites determined by MIP and SEM are analysed in relation to the mechanical properties of composites after 1 and 3 months of laboratory curing.
It is argued that the efficiency of SAP modification depends more on compatibility of desorption characteristics of SAP with hydration and pozzolanic reaction. It appears that fly ash content has a stronger effect on the kinetics of desorption than previously reported.
Although the use of SAP as internal curing agents in concrete has been widely documented in the literature for over a decade their suitability for general use is still not clearly articulated and cohesive. There is a clear need to assess the performance of SAP modified mortars made of the increasingly popular blended cements, in particular fly ash/Portland cement.
The paper focuses on the effects of two SAPs with different affinity for water on the microstructural features of mortars containing fly ash (PFA) (30%, 40% and 50%). Microstructural features of composites determined by MIP and SEM are analysed in relation to the mechanical properties of composites after 1 and 3 months of laboratory curing.
It is argued that the efficiency of SAP modification depends more on compatibility of desorption characteristics of SAP with hydration and pozzolanic reaction. It appears that fly ash content has a stronger effect on the kinetics of desorption than previously reported.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | International Conference on Sustainable Structural Concrete |
| Subtitle of host publication | Sustain Concrete 2015 |
| Place of Publication | La Plata |
| Publisher | RILEM |
| Pages | 181-191 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-987-3838-02-6 |
| Publication status | Published - Sep 2015 |
Keywords
- SAP
- microstructural features
- fly ash
- PC mortars