Abstract
This study investigates the combined influence of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) with distinct absorption kinetics and extended mixing sequences on the rheological, mechanical, and transport properties of high-performance concrete (HPC). Two SAPs—an ionic acrylamide-co-acrylic acid copolymer (SAP-P) and a non-ionic acrylamide polymer (SAP-B)—were incorporated at an internal curing level of 100%. The impact of extended mixing times (3, 5, and 7 min) following SAP addition was systematically evaluated. Results showed that longer mixing durations led to increased superplasticizer demand and higher plastic viscosity due to continued water absorption by SAPs. However, yield stress remained relatively stable owing to the dispersing effect of the added superplasticizer. Both SAPs significantly enhanced the static yield stress and improved fresh stability, as evidenced by reduced surface settlement. Despite the rheological changes, mechanical properties—including compressive and flexural strengths and modulus of elasticity—were consistently improved, regardless of mixing duration. SAP incorporation also led to notable reductions in autogenous and drying shrinkage, as well as enhanced electrical resistivity, indicating better durability performance. These findings suggest that a 3 min extended mixing time is sufficient for effective SAP dispersion without compromising performance.
Recommended Citation
Y. C. Gu and K. H. Khayat, "Influence of Mixing Duration and Absorption Characteristics of Superabsorbent Polymers on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of High-Performance Concrete," Materials, vol. 18, no. 15, article no. 3609, MDPI, Aug 2025.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153609
Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
absorption kinetics; high-performance concrete; internal curing; mixing sequence; rheology; superabsorbent polymer
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1996-1944
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 The Authors, All rights reserved.
Creative Commons Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Publication Date
01 Aug 2025
Included in
Civil Engineering Commons, Engineering Education Commons, Materials Science and Engineering Commons, Structural Engineering Commons, Transportation Engineering Commons
