Study on the Properties and Mechanism of Mortars Modified by Super Absorbent Polymers

Abstract The article investigated the influence of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) with absorption behaviors on the consistency, fluidity, water absorption, mechanical properties, early crack resistance, permeability resistance, and degree of hydration of cementitious construction materials. Mechanical strength was investigated using a flexural and compressive strength test machine. Nonevaporable water content was employed to assess the degree of hydration of the cement powders. The durability of mortar was characterized using early crack resistance and a permeability resistance test. Furthermore, the micromechanism of mortars modified by SAPs and control mortars was researched using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Experimental results showed that for the SAPs and mix designs used in this article, the incorporation of SAPs generally reduced the mechanical strength and increased the consistency, fluidity, water absorption, and degree of hydration of modified mortars compared with control mortars. The durability of mortars incorporating SAPs was greatly improved. The connection of the macroproperty and micromechanism of mortars was researched using an SEM.