Using bio-based polymers for curing cement-based materials

Abstract

Curing is the process of controlling the rate and extent of moisture loss from the surface of cement based materials. It is the final stage in the production of cement-based materials and it is the essential part for achieving continuous hydration of cement, while avoiding cracking due to drying shrinkage. Continuous cement hydration also guarantees a strong bond between aggregate, fewer voids, and depercoliation of capillary pores. Thus, a properly cured cement-based material is prepared for a long service life. Using environmentally friendly, water based bio-polymers could help to achieve more durable cement-based materials, and, therefore preventing a premature end of service life of building materials. Rapid Chloride Migration tests and Environmental Scanning Microscope are employed to investigate the functional properties, e.g. transport property, and microstructure properties, respectively. Mortar samples were cured in air and applied by water-based curing compound, made of sodium alginate. We observed strong beneficial effects of applying sodium alginate as a curing compound in terms of microstructure and hydration development. Based on these results, a less porous microstructure and an improved durable cement-based material was achieved that was prepared for longer service life.Structural EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience