Evaluation of superabsorbent polymer in low water-to-cement ratio cement based materials using X-Ray μCT

A.  Yusuf; I.  Sandi Darma; E.  Zulkifli; R. Pradoto

doi:10.3989/mc.2025.387024

Authors

A. Yusuf Department of Civil Engineering, Bandung Institute of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7433-4543
I. Sandi Darma Department of Civil Engineering, Bandung Institute of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0002-8156-0132
E. Zulkifli Department of Civil Engineering, Bandung Institute of Technology https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4704-7121
R. Pradoto Department of Civil Engineering, Bandung Institute of Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4440-611X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/mc.2025.387024

Keywords:

Superabsorbent Polymer, Pore structure, Transport properties, High-strength cement based materials, X-ray microtomography

Abstract

Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) are powdered chemical mixtures with the potential to significantly impact of cement-based materials in both fresh and hardened states. SAP’s ability to absorb and release water makes it suitable for internal curing, preventing unhydrated cement, and influencing the hydration process. This study aimed to evaluate the SAP as an internal curing medium in low water-to-cement ratio cement based materials using X-Ray μCT for image processing. SAP increased the compressive strength by 17.4% due to densification within the capillary pores, evidenced by a decrease in pore peak thickness and no increase in percolated voids. In swollen state, SAP particle appears as complete circle at close to the surface and ring-like shape in the center. Furthermore, an assessment of durability was performed through capillary absorption within crack pathways. Specimen without SAP displayed a 2.7 times greater penetration than specimen with SAP, indicating a significant impact on the durability.

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