Print Email Facebook Twitter Internal curing of alkali-activated slag-fly ash paste with superabsorbent polymers Title Internal curing of alkali-activated slag-fly ash paste with superabsorbent polymers Author Li, Z. (TU Delft Materials and Environment) Zhang, Shizhe (TU Delft Materials and Environment) Liang, X. (TU Delft Materials and Environment) Granja, José (University of Minho) Azenha, Miguel (University of Minho) Ye, G. (TU Delft Materials and Environment; Universiteit Gent) Date 2020 Abstract This study investigates the influences of internal curing on reducing the autogenous shrinkage of alkali-activated slag/fly ash (AASF) paste. The influences of internal curing with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) on the reactions and microstructure of AASF paste are investigated. It is found that the SAPs absorb liquid mainly before the initial setting time of the paste. Afterwards, the liquid is gradually released, keeping the internal relative humidity of the paste close to 100%. The internal curing with SAPs can significantly mitigate the autogenous shrinkage of AASF paste, especially after the acceleration period of the reaction. The mitigating effect of internal curing is due to the mitigated self-desiccation in the paste, rather than the formation of a denser microstructure or expansive crystals. The cracking potential of AASF under restrained condition is also greatly mitigated by internal curing. Despite the slight reductions in the elastic modulus and the compressive strength, great improvement is obverted in the flexural strength of the paste. This work confirms the effectiveness of internal curing of AASF with SAPs and further provides a promising way to reduce the autogenous shrinkage of AASF without compromising its mechanical properties. Subject Alkali-activated slag/fly ashAutogenous shrinkageCrackingInternal curingMechanical propertiesMicrostructure To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:f7e794e7-3198-41ef-b630-90cbd4a10e9a DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120985 ISSN 0950-0618 Source Construction and Building Materials, 263, 1-12 Part of collection Institutional Repository Document type journal article Rights © 2020 Z. Li, Shizhe Zhang, X. Liang, José Granja, Miguel Azenha, G. Ye Files PDF 1_s2.0_S0950061820329895_main.pdf 4.22 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:f7e794e7-3198-41ef-b630-90cbd4a10e9a/datastream/OBJ/view