MECHANICS OF HYDROGELS

Abstract

This work presents the effect of hydrogels such as polyethylene glycol(PEG) and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in cementitious composites. Hydrogel being added in cement composites for investigating the most efficient and optimum dosage through this study. Hydrogel is a fascinating polymer that has the potential to absorb enormous volumes of fluid, inflate, and then liberate the absorbed water when the environmental moisture reduces. Hydrogel mainly changes the characteristics of the material in both the fresh and hardened state of concrete when it is added in the concrete. In addition it can also improve the performance of concrete structure. Through macroscopic and microscopic tests, the effects of SAP volume, particle size, and entrained water modes on concrete workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and modulus of rupture are studied. The characterization of hydrogel in cementitious composites is performed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy( SEM), and their reactivity are determined by Thermo-Gravimetric analysis (TGA). The most effective and optimum dosage of SAP and PEG are also being investigated through this study.