| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Composite Materials: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials and Application
|
| Presentation Title |
Synthesis and Characterization of Superabsorbent Polymer Hydrogels Containing Silicate Precursors to Internally Cure and Strengthen Cement |
| Author(s) |
Akul Nimish Seshadri, Kendra A Erk, John A Howarter |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Akul Nimish Seshadri |
| Abstract Scope |
Cement production accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions and will increase with growing infrastructure demands. Optimizing the use and longevity of cement is vital to reduce the carbon footprint of this ubiquitous material. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) hydrogels are crosslinked polymers capable of absorbing and releasing several times their mass of water. SAPs can internally cure cement by supplying water to form strengthening phases, chiefly, Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H). SAP internal curing agents reduce shrinkage and cracking in high performance concrete increasing strength and service life. Novel SAPs were synthesized with organic silicate precursors and with varying polymerization solutions, cross-linking densities, and porosities to nucleate and grow C-S-H. Polymer chemistry was studied through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Inorganic nucleation and growth within the gel was studied through crystal growth experiments. The resulting composite’s morphology was investigated using X-ray scattering. Finally, the SAPs were shown to initiate C-S-H void filling behavior in cement. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Polymers, Sustainability, Composites |