Alginate biopolymers: Counteracting the impact of superabsorbent polymers on mortar strength. (1st May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mignon, Arn; Snoeck, Didier; D'Halluin, Kenny; Balcaen, Lieve; Vanhaecke, Frank; Dubruel, Peter; Van Vlierberghe, Sandra; De Belie, Nele
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 110(2016)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 174
• Publication Date: 2016-05-01
• Subjects: DVS dynamic vapor sorption -- SAP superabsorbent polymer -- NaAlg sodium alginate -- CaAlg calcium alginate -- C-S-H calcium silicate hydrates -- CaCl2 calcium chloride -- RH relative humidity -- CF cement filtrate; Self-healing -- Biopolymers -- Alginate -- Mortar -- Workability -- Bending strength -- Compressive strength -- Durability -- Mechanical properties -- Polymer; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.02.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: CaAlg exhibits a strong moisture uptake capacity especially at air RH. NaAlg becomes insoluble in mortar due to the divalent cations present in CF. CaAlg leads to only a small compression strength reduction <15% upon 1 m% addition. All alginates except NaAlg 1 m% meet the strength demand of 52.5 MPa at 28 days. Alginate can be considered a very promising material in concrete applications. Abstract: Synthetic superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are used in concrete for various applications. However, the addition of SAPs may lead to a significant decrease in mortar strength. In order to overcome this bottleneck, the present work focuses on the application of biopolymers as SAPs, more specifically polysaccharides including both uncross-linked sodium alginate as well as physically cross-linked calcium alginate. Interestingly, results indicate no or a limited (i.e. < 15%) reduction in strength upon introducing 1% relative to cement mass. Alginate can therefore be considered a promising material, not only for internal curing but even when high SAP amounts are required.