Effect of internal curing by super-absorbent polymer on hydration of hydrophobic cement-based material

Abstract Hydrophobic cement-based materials are a primary focus in current research due to their potential applications. Nevertheless, the presence of a hydrophobic layer often impedes the hydration process, resulting in reduced concrete strength. In this study, the use of super-absorbent polymer (S...

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Main Authors: Yunfeng Li, Qing Wang, Xu Zheng, Rui Zhang, Ning Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-07-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06008-7
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author Yunfeng Li
Qing Wang
Xu Zheng
Rui Zhang
Ning Wang
author_facet Yunfeng Li
Qing Wang
Xu Zheng
Rui Zhang
Ning Wang
author_sort Yunfeng Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Hydrophobic cement-based materials are a primary focus in current research due to their potential applications. Nevertheless, the presence of a hydrophobic layer often impedes the hydration process, resulting in reduced concrete strength. In this study, the use of super-absorbent polymer (SAP) to enhance the hydration degree of cement, thereby improving the mechanical properties of hydrophobic cement-based materials, was explored. SAP maintains the intrinsic hydrophobic characteristics of these materials while promoting cement hydration. The hydration degree was assessed using a combined approach of qualitative and quantitative analyses. The underlying mechanisms contributing to the enhanced material strength were elucidated through the calculation and analysis of the cement-air ratio. Additionally, the hydration heat release process was investigated through finite element simulation. The integration of SAP not only strengthens the material but also enhances its crack resistance, significantly broadening the potential applications of hydrophobic cement-based materials.
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issn 2045-2322
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher Nature Portfolio
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series Scientific Reports
spelling doaj-art-1bd4de7c3e11465087bad43f9f3afcb22025-08-20T03:38:12ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111710.1038/s41598-025-06008-7Effect of internal curing by super-absorbent polymer on hydration of hydrophobic cement-based materialYunfeng Li0Qing Wang1Xu Zheng2Rui Zhang3Ning Wang4College of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Taishan UniversityCollege of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Taishan UniversityCollege of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Taishan UniversityCollege of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Taishan UniversityCollege of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Shandong University of Science and TechnologyAbstract Hydrophobic cement-based materials are a primary focus in current research due to their potential applications. Nevertheless, the presence of a hydrophobic layer often impedes the hydration process, resulting in reduced concrete strength. In this study, the use of super-absorbent polymer (SAP) to enhance the hydration degree of cement, thereby improving the mechanical properties of hydrophobic cement-based materials, was explored. SAP maintains the intrinsic hydrophobic characteristics of these materials while promoting cement hydration. The hydration degree was assessed using a combined approach of qualitative and quantitative analyses. The underlying mechanisms contributing to the enhanced material strength were elucidated through the calculation and analysis of the cement-air ratio. Additionally, the hydration heat release process was investigated through finite element simulation. The integration of SAP not only strengthens the material but also enhances its crack resistance, significantly broadening the potential applications of hydrophobic cement-based materials.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06008-7Cement-based materialsSuper-absorbent polymerHydrophobicityHydrationFinite element analysis
spellingShingle Yunfeng Li
Qing Wang
Xu Zheng
Rui Zhang
Ning Wang
Effect of internal curing by super-absorbent polymer on hydration of hydrophobic cement-based material
Scientific Reports
Cement-based materials
Super-absorbent polymer
Hydrophobicity
Hydration
Finite element analysis
title Effect of internal curing by super-absorbent polymer on hydration of hydrophobic cement-based material
title_full Effect of internal curing by super-absorbent polymer on hydration of hydrophobic cement-based material
title_fullStr Effect of internal curing by super-absorbent polymer on hydration of hydrophobic cement-based material
title_full_unstemmed Effect of internal curing by super-absorbent polymer on hydration of hydrophobic cement-based material
title_short Effect of internal curing by super-absorbent polymer on hydration of hydrophobic cement-based material
title_sort effect of internal curing by super absorbent polymer on hydration of hydrophobic cement based material
topic Cement-based materials
Super-absorbent polymer
Hydrophobicity
Hydration
Finite element analysis
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-06008-7
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AT ruizhang effectofinternalcuringbysuperabsorbentpolymeronhydrationofhydrophobiccementbasedmaterial
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