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Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Expression of Cementitious Pore Solution and the Analysis of Its Chemical Composition and Resistivity Using X-ray Fluorescence
Published on: September 23, 2018
The water kinetics of superabsorbent polymers during cement hydration and internal curing visualized and studied by
D Snoeck1,2, L Pel3, N De Belie4
1Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park, Campus A, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 904, B-9052, Gent, Belgium. didier.snoeck@UGent.be.
Abstract:
SuperAbsorbent Polymers (SAPs) can be applied as an admixture in cementitious materials. As the polymers are able to swell, they will absorb part of the mixing water and can then release that water back towards the cementitious matrix for internal curing. This is interesting in terms of autogenous shrinkage mitigation as the internal relative humidity is maintained. The mechanism is theoretically described by the Powers and Brownyard model, but the kinetics and water release still remain subject of detailed investigation. This paper uses Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to study the release of water from the superabsorbent polymers towards the cementitious matrix during cement hydration. The release of water by the SAPs is monitored as a function of time and degree of hydration. The internal humidity is also monitored in time by means of sensitive relative-humidity sensors.
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