A novel multi-functional expansive additive for drying shrinkage reduction in mortars

Abstract

Several shrinkage compensating additives and admixtures are currently used in mortar and concrete. This study deals with the literature review and categorization of different classes of expansive additives with the objective of introducing a new range of polymeric additive. In this investigation an inorganic polymer, which is a multifunctional expansive additive, was used in different mixes of mortar. The results of experiments on drying shrinkage as well as its effect on several physical properties are reported. The new polymeric additive used in the experiments were found to decrease the amount of drying shrinkage when compared with a control mixture through the reaction of the inorganic polymer with calcium hydroxide forming a stable binder as well as an expansive agent. This new additive also proved to have a positive effect on some fresh and hardened properties of mortar. © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, London