Effect of SAP on Properties of High Performance Concrete under Marine Wetting and Drying Cycles

The internal curing effect of superabsorbent polymer(SAP) on the properties of high performance concrete(HPC) under marine wetting and drying cycles(WD cycles) was investigated. Compressive strength, hydration and chloride migration were experimentally investigated and the results were evaluated by compasison with those under fresh water curing(FW). Water absorption and porosity were also evaluated only under WD cycles. The results showed the important influence of wetting and drying cycles on the properties of SAP modified HPC properties. Carefully designed, SAP minimized the long-term compressive strength of HPC under marine WD cycles. The hydration rate was faster in the initial curing, but became lower as compared with that cured in FW. In addition, SAP improved the long-term water absorption resistance and chloride migration resistance of HPC under marine WD cycles. The examination of the porosity showed a lower increase of the volume of capillary pores in SAP modified HPC under long term WD cycles compared with that without SAP. Therefore, internal curing by SAP could improve the durability properties of HPC under marine WD cycles.

Super-absorbent swellable polymer as grouting material for treatment of karst water inrush

Grouting is the most commonly used method to control water inrush in underground engineering.Traditional cement-based materials are easy to dilute and hard to coagulate under the influence of large flow and high-velocity water inrush.To address these deficiencies,a new type of polymer grouting material with an excellent expansion ratio was synthesised.The material quickly absorbs water and has an expansion ratio of 1:300.The material is composed of a superabsorbent polymer(SAP),glycerol,and ethanol.The effects of water quality on the expansion ratio and expansion rate of the material were examined,and the best solid–liquid ratio for the slurry was determined by fluidity measurements.A karst specially designed pipeline water inrush test device showed that 800 g of SAP can achieve 0.6 m/s water flow blockage in the smooth pipeline,demonstrating that the ability of the SAP slurry to block water inrush is superior to those of other materials.This study provides a reference for water inrush plugging,and has important implications for the reduction and control of karst pipeline-type water inrush disasters,ensuring the safety of construction sites and preventing loss of life and damage to property.

Mechanical property of strain-hardening cementitious composites modified with superabsorbent polymers

In order to improve the tensile property, flexuralproperty and drying shrinkage of strain-hardening cementitiouscomposites （SHCC）, mixtures quantitatively modified withsuperabsorbent polymer （SAP） were investigated. Theuniaxial tensile test, the four-point bending test, thecompressive test, the drying shrinkage test and theenvironmental scanning electron microscope （ESEM） wereemployed to investigate the tensile strain capacity, flexuraldeformation capacity, compressive strength, drying shrinkage,crack width and self-healing of SHCC. The experimentalresults show that SHCC modified with SAP particles exhibitsexcellent ductility and deformability, and the tensile strain isup to about 4.5% and the average crack width is controlledaround 40 μm. Meanwhile, the drying shrinkage of SHCCmodified with SAP particles can reduce by about 60%.Furthermore, the self-healing behavior is observed in thecracks of specimen after three cycles of high-low relativehumidity curing, and the self-healing products can completelyfill the cracks of SHCC specimens modified with SAPparticles. It is, therefore, feasible to produce SHCC materialmodified with SAP particles, while simultaneously retaininghigher material ductility.

Superabsorbent polymer for water management in forestry

The effectiveness of a superabsorbent polymer of sodium polyacrylate was studied, with emphasis on water management, i.e., absorption, retention and desorption in the soil. The polymer was applied in plots with a sandy soil near Grandola (southern Portugal). Characterization of the most relevant physical and chemical properties of the polymer was made, namely, its specific gravity, particle diameter, capacity of water absorption and desorption. In the plots with and without the polymer, soil moisture was continuously monitored, and grassland biomass samples were collected and weighed. The results reflected the effective role of the polymer both in the improvement of the water regime in the soil and in the substantial increment of grassland productivity.

Preparation of Superabsorbent Polymers with Increased Saline Absorbency

Superabsorbent having enhanced absorbency of 0.9%NaCl solution was synthesized on one basis of incorporating zwitterionic (sulfobetaine) monomer into the previous monomer mixture, which comprises ionic (AA) and nonionic monomers, and another basis of introducing inorganic salt B. As far as saline absorbency is concerned, introduction of inorganic salt B is more useful than the sulfobetaine monomer.

A Novel Method for Studying the Re-Swelling Capacity of Superabsorbent Polymers in An Artificial Crack

Re-swelling capacity is a key factor influencing the self-sealing efficiency of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in concrete.In this paper,a new parameter (re-swelling ratio,η),the volume ratio of the crack which was filled with the expansive SAPs and the dry SAPs,was given to quantify the re-swelling capacity of a single SAPs particle.An innovative immersion test was used to study the η value of SAPs in the hardened cement paste with an artificial crack.Moreover,the influence of the crack width and particle size on the sealing efficiency of SAPs in the cracked paste was investigated by a water permeability test.The results showed that the mass ratios of the expansive SAPs in an artificial crack were less than those in a free state.The η value of SAPs in the hardened paste with an artificial crack increased with the increase of the crack width due to the restricting effects of the crack.The expansive SAPs in the cracked paste could totally seal or partly seal the crack within the original void.Moreover,the sealing efficiency of SAPs slightly increased with the rise of the crack width (0.25 to 0.5 mm) and the reduction of the particle size.This research demonstrates that the crack width in concrete and the particle size of SAPs are the key factors influencing the re-swelling behavior of SAPs which should be taken into consideration when designing the self-sealing concrete containing SAPs.

Influence of Suspension Parameters on Water Absorbency of Starch-poly(sodium acrylate) Synthesized by Inverse Suspension Polymerization

Superabsorbents starch grafted sodium polyacrylate was prepared by inverse suspension polymerization, using toluene as the continuous phase, potassiun persulfate as the initiator. The effect of suspension parameters, such as volume ratio of continuous phase and dispersed phase,type and dosage of suspending agents, on water absorbency of the starch grafted polymer was studied.Different starch derivatives were also investigated.Superabsorbents made of cationic starch has higher water absorbency than that made of native corn starch.

Influence of Reaction Parameters on Water Absorbency of Starch Grafted Superabsorbents

Superabsorbents starch grafted sodium polyacrylate was synthesized by inverse suspension polymerization, using toluene as the continuous phase, potassium persulfate as the initiator. The effect of reaction parameters, such as starch pretreatment temperature, neutralization degree of monomer, reaction time and temperature, concentration of initiator, molar ratio of monomer and starch, on water absorbency of the starch grafted polymer was studied. The effects of the last two parameters were investigated by uniform design method, and the prediction equation was obtained.

Experimental Synthesis of Polyacrylic-Type Superabsorbent Polymer and Analysis of Its Internal Curing Performances

A solution polymerization method has been used to synthesize a polyacrylic-type superabsorbent polymer(SAP).The influence of various influential factors,such as the temperature,neutralization degree,cross-linking agent,and initiator,on the water absorption capacity of SAP has been investigated.The results show that the absorption can display a non-monotonic behavior depending on the synthesis conditions.The absorption can also change according to the pH,ion types and ion concentration.As the pH value increases,the water absorption capacity decreases significantly.It also decreases if the N^(a+)concentration becomes higher and becomes particularly low in solutions containing Mg^(2+).With the addition of SAP,the compressive strength of cement mortar decreases;the internal relative humidity can be maintained at 96%within 200 hours;and autogenous shrinkage can be reduced by nearly 69%.

Post-treatments of Super Absorbent Polymer

Properties of high absorbency and modulus (gel strength) were both needed in applications of superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Generally, the absorption characteristic and gel strength reach a crossover point for a given system. Beyond this point, a given property will show improvement at the expense of another property. To synthesize SAP with properties superior to this optimum value, further modification in the process becomes essential. In our post-treatment modification of superabsorbent polymer, neither the variety of the crosslinkers, nor their amount was found the effective factors to the polymer performance, but the liquor ratio of the treating liquid to polymer. The combination of the chemical treating and heat-treating method was also explored. But this didn’t put any positive effect on SAP’s properties.

Modelling Absorption Capacity Performance of Hygienic Product

The performance prediction of hygienic products can be a major advantage for manufacturers. Among the interesting performances to be expected, we find the absorption capacity. This is a parameter governed by the composition of the absorbent core, particularly the fibrous component and the characteristics of the superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Thus, various theoretical models have been established to predict the absorption capacity. All these models have taken into account the nature of the fibrous support and the ratio of superabsorbent polymer. Certainly, other factors, less obvious in their modelling, are involved in determining the performance such as the homogeneity of the mixture formed by the fluff and SAP, the distribution of polymer particles in the entire structure, the porous structure, the shape of the capillary, the nature of the nonwoven webs used, etc. Various theoretical models are proposed here to describe the absorption capacity and we will outline the model which best describes this performance. The experimental test results are discussed to verify if the theoretical model selected can be confirmed.

Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Guar Gum Grafted Acrylic Acid/Nanoclay Superabsorbent Composites and Its Use in Crystal Violet Dye Absorption

Natural gums can be tailored and used for the removal of toxic dyes like crystal violet via grafting techniques. However, grafting via microwave irradiation showed both higher yield and fast reaction kinetics as compared to conventional grafting. Silane modified nanoclay has been used to prepare acrylic acid grafted guar gum nanocomposites via microwave irradiation technique. The grafting was confirmed via infrared spectroscopy while XRD diffractograms suggested exfoliation of modified nanoclay in guar gum grafted acrylic acid. The reaction kinetic parameters have been optimized. The effect of nanoclay on swelling characteristics has been examined. The sensitivity of pH on swelling capabilities has also been assessed. The efficiency of the superabsorbent nanocomposite on the absorption of crystal violet dye has been studied. The superabsorbent nanocomposite loaded with 1.75% modified nanocaly was found to be optimal concentration for the removal of crystal violet dye.

Smart superabsorbent alginate/carboxymethyl chitosan composite hydrogel beads as efficient biosorbents for methylene blue dye removal

The presence of toxic dyes in the aqueous medium has threatened environmental safety, and thereby re- moving them from wastewater in an efficient way is highly desired. Herein, the efficient biosorbents were successfully fabricated via a facile physical gelation process of sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) in an acidic aqueous solution. The as-prepared hydrogel beads not only displayed water superabsorbent properties and pH-responsive swelling characters but also exhibited excellent methylene blue (MB) adsorption capacity removal efficiency with experimental maximum MB adsorption capacity of 2518 and 1005 mg g -1 , which are comparable with most reported lignocellulosic and alginate-based hydrogels. The MB adsorption process fitted well in different kinetic and isotherm models and became more heterogeneous in concentrated MB solutions as verified by principal component analysis results. The adsorption mechanism was proposed, and the high dye absorbency was attributed to the strong electro- static forces between adsorbents and adsorbates. Our current study provides a promising and sustainable composite hydrogels platform targeted to dye decontamination.

Superabsorbent Fibers for Comfortable Disposable Medical Protective Clothing

Disposable medical protective clothing for 2019-nCoV mainly consists of stacked layers with nanopore films,polymer coated nonwoven fabrics and melt-blown nonwoven fabrics against anti-microbial and anti-liquid penetration.However,such structures lack moisture permeability and breathability leading to an uncomfortable,stuffy wearing experience.Here,we propose a novel medical protective clothing material with a superabsorbent layer to enhance moisture absorption.Poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide)/polyvinyl alcohol superabsorbent fibers(PAAAM/PVA fibers)were prepared via wet spinning.And the superabsorbent composite layer was stacked from PAAAM/PVA fibers,bamboo pulp fibers(BPF)and ethylene-propyl-ene side by side fibers(ESF).The novel disposable medical protective composite fabric was obtained through gluing the superabsorbent layer to the inner surface of strong antistatic polypropylene nonwoven fabric.The resultant composite fabric possesses excellent absorption and retention capacity for sweat,up to 12.3 g/g and 63.8%,and a maximum hygroscopic rate of 1.04 g/h,higher than that of the conventional material(only 0.53 g/h).The moisture permeability of the novel material reached 12,638.5 g/(m^(2) d),which was 307.6%of the conventional material.The novel material can effectively reduce the humidity inside the protective clothing and significantly improve the comfort of medical staff.

Hydration, microstructure and autogenous shrinkage behaviors of cement mortars by addition of superabsorbent polymers

Superabsorbent Polymer(SAP)has emerged as a topic of considerable interest in recent years.The present study systematically and quantitively investigated the effect of SAP on hydration,autogenous shrinkage,mechanical properties,and microstructure of cement mortars.Influences of SAP on hydration heat and autogenous shrinkage were studied by utilizing TAM AIR technology and a non-contact autogenous shrinkage test method.Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM)was employed to assess the microstructure evolution.Although SAP decreased the peak rate of hydration heat and retarded the hydration,it significantly increased the cumulative heat,indicating SAP helps promote the hydration.Hydration promotion caused by SAP mainly occurred in the deceleration period and attenuation period.SAP can significantly mitigate the autogenous shrinkage when the content ranged from 0 to 0.5%.Microstructure characteristics showed that pores and gaps were introduced when SAP was added.The microstructure difference caused by SAP contributed to the inferior mechanical behaviors of cement mortars treated by SAP.

Green Fabrication of Multifunctional Three‑Dimensional Superabsorbent Nonwovens with Thermo‑Bonding Fibers

Disposable hygiene products have evolved into the important parts for millions of people around the world,enhancing the convenience of daily lives.However,development of the disposable hygiene products is restricted by unsustainable production technology,complicated operation process,and poor liquid absorption performance of the absorbent core.Herein,integrated and three-dimensional(3D)multifunctional superabsorbent nonwovens with liquid-triggered fragrance release was prepared via green,fast and scalable multi efect hot-air anchoring method which physically crosslinking the joint thermobonding fbers and anchoring fragrance microcapsules/super absorbent polymer(SAP)onto adjacent thermo-bonding fbers simultaneously.The resulting composite nonwovens could three-dimensionally absorb water 33.14 times of its own weight without gel blockage between SAP,and correspondingly release increased intensity fragrance along with enhancing amount of water absorption.Absorption rate t1 and t2 is 83.62%and 50.62%higher than the commercial specimen respectively,and the air permeability is increased by 226.88%compared with the commercial specimen.The superabsorbent nonwovens with controllable fragrance release and odorant synergistic has the potential to be practically applied to functional textiles felds because of the excellent liquid absorption and controlled fragrance release performance,and is easy to be produced on a sustainable,pollution-free and large-scale industrial production.

Superabsorbent poly(acrylic acid) and antioxidant poly(ester amide) hybrid hydrogel for enhanced wound healing

Wound healing dressing is increasingly needed in clinical owing to the large quantity of skin damage annually.Excessive reactive oxygen species(ROS)produced through internal or external environmental influences can lead to lipid peroxidation,protein denaturation,and even DNA damage,and ultimately have harmful effects on cells.Aiming to sufficiently contact with the wound microenvironment and scavenge ROS,superabsorbent poly(acrylic acid)and antioxidant poly(ester amide)(PAA/PEA)hybrid hydrogel has been developed to enhance wound healing.The physical and chemical properties of hybrid hydrogels were studied by Fourier-transform infrared(FTIR)absorption spectrum,compression,swelling,degradation,etc.Besides,the antioxidant properties of hybrid hydrogels can be investigated through the free radical scavenging experiment,and corresponding antioxidant indicators have been tested at the cellular level.Hybrid hydrogel scaffolds supported the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and fibroblasts,as well as accelerated angiogenesis and skin regeneration in wounds.The healing properties of wounds in vivo were further assessed on mouse skin wounds.Results showed that PAA/PEA hybrid hydrogel scaffolds significantly accelerated the wound healing process through enhancing granulation formation and re-epithelialization.In summary,these superabsorbent and antioxidative hybrid hydrogels could be served as an excellent wound dressing for full-thickness wound healing.

Effect of superabsorbent polymer on mechanical properties of cement stabilized base and its mechanism

Superabsorbent polymers(SAPs)are cross-linked polymers that can absorb and retain large amounts of water.In recent years,a growing interest was seen in applying SAPs in concrete to improve its performance due to its efficiency in mitigating shrinkage.This paper presents findings in a study on effect of SAPs on performance of cement-treated base(CTB),using the experience of internal curing of concrete.CTB specimens with and without SAPs were prepared and tested in the laboratory.Tests conducted include mechanical property testing,dry shrinkage testing,differential thermal analysis,mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscope testing.It was found that 7-day and 28-day unconfined compressive strength of CTB specimens with SAPs was higher than regular CTB specimens.28d compressive strength of CTB specimens with SAPs made by Static pressure method was 5.87 MPa,which is 27%higher than that of regular CTB specimens.Drying shrinkage of CTB specimens with SAPs was decreased by 52.5%comparing with regular CTB specimens.Through the microstructure analysis it was found that CTB specimens with SAPs could produce more hydration products,which is also the reason for the strength improvement.