Durability of Concrete Modified with Superabsorbent Polymers

Ordinary concrete was modified with additions of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). Research was conducted to assess the weight loss ratio from cyclic freeze-thaw tests, the shrinkage ratio, and the sulfate attack resistance coefficient of compressive strength for the modified concrete. The results indicate that freeze-thaw resistance, shrinkage resistance, and sulfate attack resistance were greatly improved when compared to the control concrete. At the same time, the microstructure of concrete modified with SAPs was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM results revealed a modification mechanism of the treated concrete. Ordinary concrete was modified with additions of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). Research was conducted to assess the weight loss ratio from cyclic freeze-thaw tests, the shrinkage ratio, and the sulfate attack resistance coefficient of compressive strength for the modified concrete. The results indicate that freeze-thaw resistance, shrinkage resistance, and sulfate attack resistance were greatly improved when compared to the control concrete. At the same time, the microstructure of concrete modified with SAPs was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM results revealed a modification mechanism of the treated concrete.