Assignment 1 (SAP) - Umer Jalal (23L-8214)

National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences
Department of Civil Engineering
INNOVATIVE CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS
A REVIEW PAPER ON
SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMERS (SAP)
Submitted By:
Umer Jalal Roll #: 23L-8214
Submitted To:
Dr. SYED ALI RIZWAN
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF COMPUTER AND EMERGING SCIENCES,
LAHORE
Review Paper on Super Absorbent Polymers Umer Jalal (23L-8214)
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2 BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3 GENERAL USES OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMERS (SAP) ..................................................................... 6
4 RESEARCH: ............................................................................................................................................ 7
4.1 INFLUENCE OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF HIGH
PERFORMANCE CONCRETE ....................................................................................................................... 7
4.1.1 TEST METHOD AND MATERIAL: ............................................................................................ 7
4.1.2 TEST METHOD: ...................................................................................................................... 8
4.1.3 CONCRETE MIX DESIGN ........................................................................................................ 8
4.1.4 TEST RESULTS: ....................................................................................................................... 9
4.1.5 EFFECT OF SAP CONTENT: ..................................................................................................... 9
4.1.6 EFFECT OF ADDITIONAL WATER CONTENT ......................................................................... 10
4.1.7 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CURING METHODS ......................................................................... 12
4.1.8 CONCLUSION: ...................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 SELF-CURING CONCRETE BY USING SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER ........................................... 13
4.2.1 MATERIALS .......................................................................................................................... 14
4.2.2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE: ............................................................................................. 14
4.2.3 TESTS CONDUCTED: ............................................................................................................ 15
4.2.4 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION ................................................................................. 17
5 Recommendations for Future work on super absorbent Polymers: .................................................. 17
6 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Innovative Civil Engineering Materials – FAST-NUCES, Lahore 1

1 INTRODUCTION
Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) have emerged as a valuable addition to the construction industry,
revolutionizing various aspects of building materials and construction processes. These advanced
materials possess exceptional water-absorbing capabilities, making them instrumental in improving the
performance, durability, and sustainability of construction projects. With their unique properties, SAPs
have opened up new avenues for innovation and efficiency in the field of construction. The construction
industry faces numerous challenges related to water management. Water intrusion, moisture-related
damages, and inadequate moisture control can lead to structural issues, including mold growth,
deterioration, and reduced longevity of buildings. SAPs offer an effective solution to combat these
problems by their ability to absorb and retain water.
In the construction sector, SAPs are primarily used in two main applications: as water-absorbing
additives in construction materials and as moisture control agents during the construction process.
When incorporated into construction materials such as concrete, mortar, or plaster, SAPs can enhance
their properties and performance. The addition of SAPs improves the water-holding capacity, reduces
cracking and shrinkage, and enhances the overall strength and durability of the materials. By absorbing
excess water during the curing process, SAPs also help to prevent moisture-related issues such as
surface cracking and uneven drying. Moisture control is crucial in the construction industry, particularly
during the installation of flooring systems. Excessive moisture in concrete slabs can lead to problems
such as adhesive failure, floor covering delamination, and mold growth. SAPs can be utilized as moisture
control agents in flooring systems to effectively absorb excess moisture and maintain an optimal
moisture level, thereby preventing potential damage and ensuring the longevity of the flooring. (Dubey,
2016)
Moreover, SAPs can be incorporated into building envelopes to improve their water resistance and
moisture management. When used in sealants, coatings, or membranes, SAPs can help to mitigate
water intrusion and prevent moisture-related damages. These materials can swell upon contact with
water, effectively sealing cracks or gaps and enhancing the overall water tightness of the building
envelope. In addition to their water-absorbing properties, SAPs also offer sustainability benefits in the
construction industry. By reducing the water content required in construction materials, SAPs contribute
to the conservation of water resources. Furthermore, the enhanced durability and reduced need for
repairs or replacements associated with SAP-enhanced materials result in long-term cost savings and
reduced environmental impact.

Fig 1: Powdered Form of Super Absorbent Polymer (Dubey, 2016)
While SAPs have demonstrated significant potential in the construction industry, there are still areas for
further research and development. Challenges include optimizing the dosage and compatibility of SAPs
with different construction materials, ensuring long-term stability and performance, and addressing any
potential environmental concerns associated with their use. Super absorbent polymers have emerged as
valuable materials in the construction industry, offering solutions to water management challenges and
improving the performance and sustainability of construction projects. Their incorporation into
construction materials and as moisture control agents has shown promising results in enhancing
strength, durability, moisture resistance, and overall performance. As research and development efforts
continue, SAPs have the potential to further transform the construction industry by enabling the
development of more efficient, resilient, and sustainable building materials and systems.
2 BACKGROUND
Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are a class of materials that have gained significant attention and
application across various industries due to their unique ability to absorb and retain large amounts of
liquid relative to their own mass. The development of SAPs stemmed from the need for materials that
could efficiently manage fluids, particularly in hygiene products, agriculture, and environmental
applications. The origins of super absorbent polymers can be traced back to the late 1950s and early
1960s when researchers began exploring ways to improve the absorbency of materials used in hygiene
products like diapers. The initial attempts involved the use of natural materials, such as cotton and
cellulose, but their limited absorbency and high cost led to the search for alternative solutions.
In the 1970s, researchers started investigating synthetic materials with enhanced water-absorbing
capabilities. The breakthrough came with the discovery of sodium polyacrylate, a cross-linked polymer
with exceptional absorbency. Sodium polyacrylate, commonly known as superabsorbent sodium

polyacrylate, became the most widely used SAP in commercial applications due to its high water-
absorbing capacity and cost-effectiveness. The structure and properties of super absorbent polymers
are closely tied to their molecular composition. SAPs are typically based on synthetic polymers, primarily
acrylic acid or acrylate monomers, which are polymerized to form long chains. The addition of cross-
linking agents during polymerization creates a three-dimensional network structure, imparting stability
to the resulting hydrogel. The cross-linking allows the polymer chains to swell and absorb water, forming
a gel-like substance.
The absorbency of SAPs is attributed to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups in their chemical
structure, such as carboxylate (-COO-) or hydroxyl (-OH) groups. These groups have a strong affinity for
water molecules, enabling the formation of hydrogen bonds between the polymer chains and water.
The hydrogen bonding facilitates the absorption of water and the retention of the absorbed liquid even
under pressure.
The commercial applications of SAPs expanded rapidly, particularly in the hygiene industry. The
introduction of SAPs in diapers revolutionized the market by providing superior absorbency, reducing
leakage, and improving user comfort. The use of SAPs also extended to other hygiene products such as
adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products, and wound dressings, where effective fluid
management is critical.
In the agricultural sector, SAPs have gained significance for their role in water retention and soil
conditioning. By incorporating SAPs into soil or growing media, water can be efficiently stored and
released to plants, reducing the frequency of irrigation and improving water-use efficiency. SAPs also
help prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, and promote optimal moisture levels, particularly in
arid or drought-prone regions.
Beyond hygiene and agriculture, SAPs have found applications in various other fields. In packaging, SAPs
are used to provide cushioning and moisture-absorbing properties, protecting sensitive goods during
transportation and storage. In the pharmaceutical industry, SAPs serve as drug delivery systems,
enabling controlled release and targeted administration of medications. SAPs are also used in waste
management for absorbing and solidifying liquid waste, as well as in environmental applications for
treating wastewater and absorbing oil spills. While super absorbent polymers have brought about
numerous benefits, there are also challenges associated with their usage. Concerns include the potential
environmental impact of SAPs, particularly their disposal and degradation, as well as the need for
continuous research and innovation to enhance their performance, biodegradability, and sustainability.

The development of super absorbent polymers has revolutionized multiple industries by providing
efficient solutions for fluid management. The discovery of sodium polyacrylate paved the way for the
commercial application of SAPs, enabling superior absorbency and water retention. Over the years, SAPs
have found extensive use in hygiene products, agriculture, packaging, pharmaceuticals, and
environmental applications. With ongoing research and development efforts, SAPs hold promise for
further advancements, leading to the development of more efficient, eco-friendly, and versatile super
absorbent materials.
These early SAPs demonstrated promising water-absorbing capabilities, leading to their utilization in
various construction-related processes and materials.
 STARCH-BASED SAPS:
One of the early types of SAPs used in the construction industry was starch-based SAPs. Starch, a natural
polymer derived from plants, exhibits water-absorbing properties. Modified starch-based SAPs were
developed to enhance their absorption capacity and stability. These SAPs were primarily used as
additives in construction materials like gypsum-based products, plasters, and sealants. The addition of
starch-based SAPs improved the water-holding capacity of these materials, reducing cracking and
improving workability during application.
 POLYACRYLAMIDE-BASED SAPS:
Polyacrylamide (PAM)-based SAPs were another early type of SAPs employed in the construction
industry. PAM is a synthetic polymer with high water-absorbing properties. PAM-based SAPs were
incorporated into soil stabilization processes, particularly in erosion control and slope stabilization. By
mixing PAM-based SAPs with soil or applying them as surface treatments, the water-absorbing capability
of the SAPs helped retain moisture in the soil, preventing erosion and maintaining the stability of slopes
and embankments.
 POLYACRYLATE-BASED SAPS:
Polyacrylate-based SAPs, particularly sodium polyacrylate, emerged as a breakthrough in the

construction industry due to their superior water-absorbing capacity. Sodium polyacrylate SAPs were
widely used as additives in various construction materials and processes. In concrete and mortar
applications, the addition of sodium polyacrylate SAPs improved workability, reduced cracking, and
increased the water-holding capacity of the mixtures. This resulted in enhanced strength, durability, and

resistance to moisture-related issues. Sodium polyacrylate SAPs were also used in flooring systems to
control moisture, preventing adhesive failure and ensuring the integrity of floor coverings.
 BENTONITE-BASED SAPS:
Bentonite-based SAPs, derived from natural clay minerals, were early SAPs utilized in the construction
industry. Bentonite has a high affinity for water, swelling when in contact with moisture. Bentonite-
based SAPs were employed in geotechnical engineering for their water-absorbing and sealing
properties. These SAPs were used in applications such as sealing underground structures, tunnel
construction, and creating cut-off walls. By swelling and forming impermeable barriers, bentonite-based
SAPs prevented water intrusion and facilitated effective water control in various construction projects.
The early types of SAPs used in the construction industry played a significant role in improving the
performance, durability, and moisture management of construction materials and processes. They
provided solutions to challenges related to water absorption, cracking, moisture control, and erosion
prevention. (Minmin Yang, 2021)
3 GENERAL USES OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMERS (SAP)
Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) have found a wide range of applications across various industries due
to their exceptional water-absorbing properties. The ability of SAPs to absorb and retain large amounts
of liquid relative to their own mass has led to their utilization in numerous practical and innovative
ways. Here are some examples of the general uses of SAPs:
I. OIL SPILL CLEANUP:

SAPs have shown promise in environmental applications, particularly in oil spill cleanup. SAPs with
hydrophobic properties can selectively absorb oil while repelling water. When deployed on oil spills,
these SAPs absorb the oil, transforming it into a solid gel-like substance that can be easily recovered.
This application helps mitigate the environmental impact of oil spills by containing and removing the oil
from affected areas.
II. CONCRETE AND CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS:
SAPs are increasingly being incorporated into concrete and construction materials to improve their
performance and durability. By adding SAPs to concrete mixtures, the water-holding capacity is
enhanced, reducing shrinkage, cracking, and improving overall strength. SAPs also contribute to self-
healing concrete, where they can absorb water and release it when cracks occur, allowing the material
to heal and maintain its structural integrity.

III. WATER RETENTION AND EROSION CONTROL:

In landscaping and gardening, SAPs are used to improve water retention in soils. By mixing SAPs with soil
or incorporating them into planting holes, water can be efficiently stored and released to plants,
reducing water requirements and improving moisture availability. SAPs also aid in erosion control by
preventing soil erosion in slopes and embankments, enhancing the stability of the landscape.
IV. AGRICULTURE:
SAPs play a crucial role in agriculture, particularly in water management and soil conditioning. By
incorporating SAPs into soil or agricultural substrates, water can be efficiently stored and released over
time, reducing the frequency of irrigation and improving plant growth. SAPs help to retain moisture
around the plant roots, preventing water loss and ensuring optimal hydration. They also improve soil
structure, prevent soil erosion, and aid in the controlled release of nutrients to support plant growth.
(Ostrand, 2020)
4 RESEARCH:
Various researches conducted on Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) are discussed as below:
4.1 INFLUENCE OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF HIGH

PERFORMANCE CONCRETE
Low water-cement ratio leading to limited free water and rapid early strength development. These
factors contribute to shrinkage and shrinkage deformation during the early curing stage, which can
result in concrete cracking and reduced performance. Traditional external curing methods are
insufficient for high-performance concrete due to its dense structure. Internal curing, using water-
absorbing materials within the concrete, is introduced as a solution. Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs)
are identified as a type of internal curing material that can increase the hydration degree, reduce self-
shrinkage and shrinkage cracking, and maintain concrete durability. The paragraph mentions that the
study focuses on evaluating the mechanical properties of concrete with different SAP content and
additional water amount.
4.1.1 TEST METHOD AND MATERIAL:
Cement used was 42.5 grade cement including P.O, coarse aggregate was natural crushed stone of 5 –
25 mm continuous gradation. Sand was natural river sand. SAP fineness in 160- 200 mesh was used, with
high water absorption capacity. SAP was in powder form of white color.

4.1.2 TEST METHOD:
Concrete mixture was done by putting SAP, cement, sand, stone and admixture together in
concrete mixers. Dry mixing was done prior to adding water in the mixture. As the quantity of
mixture was increased the mixing time was increased accordingly. The temperature was set at
25 degrees celcius. The relative humidity was more than 95%. The curing tiem was 3 days, 7
days and 28 days. Furthermore strength of concrete was determined.
4.1.3 CONCRETE MIX DESIGN
Concrete mix design was conducted accoriding to JGJ 55 -2011. The concrete mix design is as
follow:
Table 1: Mix Proportions of Sample Concrete
The content of SAP was kept as 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% of the mass of cementitious materials.
Amount of additional water was 10 times, 15 times 20 times, 25 times and 30 times the mass of
SAP.
Table 2: Scheme of Test

4.1.4 TEST RESULTS:
The Test results are shown in the below tables the tests were conducted under standard curing and
natural curing techniques.
Compressive strength(natural curing) Compressive strength(standard curing)
Table 3: Compressive test results from (Standard and Natural Curing)
4.1.5 EFFECT OF SAP CONTENT:
The introduction of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) in concrete resulted in a significant decrease in
early strength, especially when no additional water was added. The influence of SAPs on early strength
was found to be greater than their impact on long-term strength. The strong water absorption of SAPs
reduced the free water available for cement hydration, hindering the early strength development.
Additionally, the SAP particles initially weakened the concrete due to their low strength. However, with
curing time, the SAP particles released water into the cement paste, increasing the free water content
and promoting cement hydration, thereby improving the concrete strength. However, when the SAP
particles no longer contained water, they created honeycomb holes in the paste, reducing the effective
area of the specimens. This resulted in stress concentration and further damage to the internal structure
of the concrete, leading to a decrease in compressive strength. The mechanical properties of the
concrete worsened with an increase in SAP content, as the low strength of SAPs and increased porosity

further reduced the effective area and intensified stress concentration, exacerbating the loss of
compressive strength.
Fig 2: effect of SAP content on concrete strength Fig 3: effect of SAP content on concrete strength
(standard curing w.o. additional water) (standard curing with 10 times additional water)
Fig 4: effect of SAP content on concrete strength Fig 5: effect of SAP content on concrete strength
(standard curing with 20 times additional water) (standard curing with 30 times additional water)
4.1.6 EFFECT OF ADDITIONAL WATER CONTENT
When 0.1% SAP by mass of cement was added, introducing additional water slightly improved the 28-
day strength of concrete. The 28-day compressive strength reached its peak when the additional water
content was 20 times the mass of SAP. However, the 28-day strength gradually decreased when the
water content exceeded 20 times. This indicates that a certain amount of SAP, combined with the
appropriate amount of additional water, does not lead to a decrease in long-term strength.

When a higher amount of SAP was added, adding additional water significantly reduced the 3-day
strength of concrete. With a SAP content of 0.2% by mass of cement, the change in additional water
content did not affect the 28-day strength. However, when the SAP content increased to 0.3% by mass
of cement, introducing additional water led to a significant decrease in the 28-day strength. When the
additional water content exceeded 20 times the mass of SAP, the 28-day strength of concrete
experienced a severe decline. For example, with a SAP content of 0.3% by mass of cement and an
additional water amount of 30 times the mass of SAP, the 28-day compressive strength decreased by
17.6%. This demonstrates that an excessive amount of SAP or excessive additional water can
significantly reduce the strength of concrete.
The introduction of additional water in concrete initially reduces the early strength due to an increase in
free water, resulting in an improved water-cement ratio, which decreases the concrete strength.
However, additional water also increases the free water in the concrete, promoting cement hydration
and the development of concrete strength, thereby improving the long-term strength. Nevertheless,
when the amount of additional water becomes excessive, the water-cement ratio of concrete is
significant.
Fig 6: amount of additional water that effect the Fig 7: amount of additional water that effect the
strength of concrete (standard curing condition strength of concrete (standard curing condition
and 0.1% SAP content) and 0.2% SAP content)

Fig 8: amount of additional water that effect the strength of concrete (standard curing condition and
0.3% SAP content)
4.1.7 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CURING METHODS
The results show that the impact of SAP content and additional water on strength is similar in both
curing conditions. 28-day strength of specimen A2-01, which contains SAP, is slightly higher than
specimen A1-01, which does not contain SAP. This suggests that SAP has a positive effect on the internal
curing of concrete. In natural curing conditions, where the relative humidity is lower and cannot
effectively replenish the water consumed during cement hydration, internal curing with SAP can provide
the necessary free water to promote cement hydration, thus improving the concrete strength.
However, the 28-day strength of the natural curing group is lower compared to the standard curing
condition. This indicates that while SAP can provide internal curing, external curing is still necessary.
Therefore, in practical construction operations, a combination of internal curing using SAP and
appropriate external maintenance is recommended to achieve better curing and maintenance effects
for concrete.
4.1.8 CONCLUSION:
Initially, the addition of SAP in concrete reduces the early strength. However, over time, SAP particles
release water, increasing the free water content and promoting cement hydration, resulting in rapid
development of concrete strength. Therefore, the impact of SAP on long-term strength is smaller

compared to early strength. The greater the SAP content, the more significant the loss of concrete
strength.
Introducing additional water in concrete, along with SAP, can help mitigate the loss of 28-day strength.
When the SAP content and additional water amount are appropriate, there is minimal decrease in 28-
day strength. However, excessive SAP content or excessive additional water leads to significant loss of
concrete strength. The optimal SAP content is found to be 0.1% of the mass of cement. Introducing
additional water at a ratio of 15 times the mass of SAP yields the highest flexural strength, while
introducing water at a ratio of 20 times the mass of SAP yields the highest compressive strength. In
practical construction operations, incorporating SAP in high-performance concrete and combining it
with appropriate external maintenance can significantly improve the curing effect of the concrete.
(Shan, 2015)
4.2 SELF-CURING CONCRETE BY USING SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER
The passage discusses the use of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) in concrete and their effects on
various properties. SAPs have the ability to absorb water and release it slowly over time. This property is
similar to watering plants gradually. Excessive SAP content in concrete leads to increased voids, reducing
the strength and durability of the concrete. However, a small amount of SAP has a negligible effect on
concrete performance. The water content added to fresh concrete is crucial for its properties, including
durability and strength. Excessive water improves workability but reduces concrete strength and
increases drying shrinkage. Water-reducing admixtures, such as superplasticizers, are commonly used to
reduce water demand without compromising workability. The gel created by SAPs in concrete enhances
workability and stability by providing cushioning and lubrication. Studies have shown that SAPs can
mitigate cracking caused by water loss during curing and autogenous shrinkage. They increase the
internal relative humidity of the cement paste, reduce stress build-up, and prevent cracking during the
hardening of high-performance concrete. Optimum SAP content in concrete is determined to be 0.11%
of the cement's weight for maximizing strength and durability. SAPs are also useful in environments with
frequent freeze-thaw cycles, as they provide frost protection and create voids to absorb hydraulic
pressure and accommodate water expansion during freezing. Additionally, SAPs can seal cracks and
promote crack healing in cementitious materials.
Curing is an essential process to hydrate cement particles and improve concrete properties. Traditional
external curing methods involve water or sealed curing. Internal curing, through the use of SAPs, can

store water and gradually release it during hydration processes, or prevent moisture loss from the
concrete. Overall, incorporating SAPs in concrete offers benefits such as improved workability, reduced
cracking, enhanced durability, and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, highlighting their potential in high-
performance concrete applications.
4.2.1 MATERIALS
 COARSE AGGREGATES: Coarse Aggregate as per IS 384-1970 were used, in saturated dry surface
conditions aggregate that passed 20 mm sieve and retained 4.75 mm were used.
 SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMERS: SAP used are described in the table below:
Table 4: Physical Properties of SAP
 FINE AGGREGATES: river sand was used for the tests. The sand however, was screened at site In
order to remove deleterious material.
4.2.2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:
The mix design ratio for 1m3 was kept as the following:
Table 5: mix ratio of the materials used for 1m3

Batching: In batching concrete, the quantity of fly ash, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate shall be
determined by mass and sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solution measured in volume or mass.
Dry Mixing: Coarse Aggregate, Fly ash and finer aggregate were mixed together for 3 minutes,
Wet Mixing: afterwards sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solution were mixed with the dry solids
for another 3 minutes. Water maybe added if necessary.
Molding: SAP concrete was compacted in the mold of three layers with 25 manual strokes.
Curing of Specimen: After 24 hours specimen were demolded.
4.2.3 TESTS CONDUCTED:
The tests conducted on the specimen were:
(i) Compressive strength test for 7, 14 and 28 days
(ii) Split tensile test for 28 days
(iii) Flexural strength test for 28 days
I. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH:
After 28 days, the compressive strength for control mix came out to be 40.3 MPa. Further results are as
follow:
Fig 9: Mix Proportion VS. Compressive Strength of SAP concrete with adding different %

II. SPLIT TENSILE TEST
Split Tensile Test for control mix and optimum percentage for age of 28 days.
Fig 10: Mix Proportion VS. Split Tensile Strength of SAP concrete with adding different %
III. FLEXURE STRENGTH TEST
Test results for Flexure Strength Test are as following:
Fig 11: AVg. Flexure Strength of SAP polymenr Concrete

4.2.4 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION
 Optimum SAP Dosage: The study determined that the most effective dosage of SAP for
achieving maximum strengths in M30 grade concrete was 0.3%.
 Strength Enhancement: The addition of SAP to the concrete resulted in a significant increase in
compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths. This indicates that SAPs contribute positively to the
mechanical properties of the concrete.
 Economic Advantage: The use of self-cured concrete with SAP was found to be more cost-
effective compared to conventional cured concrete. This suggests that self-curing concrete with
SAP can provide economic benefits in construction projects.
 Reduction of Improper Curing: Self-curing concrete with SAP helps address the issue of improper
curing. By absorbing and slowly releasing water, SAPs ensure that the concrete maintains a
sufficient moisture level, reducing the risks associated with inadequate curing practices.
Overall, incorporating SAPs in concrete can enhance its strength, improve curing efficiency, and offer
economic advantages, making it a promising option for construction applications. (Karthikeyan, 2018)
5 Recommendations for Future work on super absorbent Polymers:
Here are some future research recommendations that can be explored regarding Super Absorbent
Polymers (SAPs) in the construction industry:
Long-Term Performance: Conduct studies to assess the long-term performance and durability of
concrete with SAPs. Investigate the effects of aging, environmental exposure, and cyclic loading on the
mechanical properties and functionality of SAP-incorporated concrete over extended periods.
Optimal Dosage and Particle Size: Explore the influence of different SAP dosages and particle sizes on
the properties of concrete. Determine the optimal SAP dosage and particle size distribution for various
concrete grades, considering factors such as workability, strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Compatibility with Different Cementitious Materials: Investigate the compatibility of SAPs with various
cementitious materials, including different types of cement, supplementary cementitious materials (e.g.,
fly ash, slag), and chemical admixtures. Evaluate the impact of SAPs on the hydration process,
microstructure development, and performance characteristics of different cementitious systems.
Rheological Properties and Workability: Study the influence of SAPs on the rheological properties and
workability of fresh concrete. Examine the effect of SAPs on the flowability, segregation resistance, and

setting time of concrete mixtures, and develop guidelines for optimizing SAP dosages while maintaining
desired workability.
Construction Processes and Practices: Investigate the practical aspects of incorporating SAPs in
construction processes. Explore the compatibility of SAPs with common construction practices such as
pumping, placing, and finishing. Assess the effects of SAPs on the bond strength between concrete and
reinforcement, as well as on the performance of repair materials.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability: Assess the environmental impact and sustainability aspects of
using SAPs in concrete. Evaluate the life cycle analysis, carbon footprint, and eco-toxicity of SAPs,
considering their production, use, and end-of-life disposal. Explore the potential for using bio-based or
recycled SAPs as alternatives to conventional SAPs.
Standardization and Guidelines: Develop standardized testing methods and guidelines for incorporating
SAPs in concrete. Establish protocols for measuring SAP properties, determining optimal dosages, and
assessing the performance of SAP-incorporated concrete in terms of strength, durability, and other
relevant criteria.
By addressing these research areas, a more comprehensive understanding of SAPs in the construction
industry can be achieved, leading to improved design practices, enhanced performance, and sustainable
utilization of SAPs in concrete applications. (Schröfl, 2022)

6 REFERENCES
 Dubey, A. (2016). USE OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMERS (SAPs) IN CONCRETE. International

Journal of Research in Engineering and Applied Sciences, 5.
 Karthikeyan, V. (2018). Self-Curing Concrete by using Super Absorbent Polymer. International
Journal of Engineering Research & Technology, 6.
 Minmin Yang, J. W. (2021, July 29). Hotspots, Frontiers, and Emerging Trends of Superabsorbent
Polymer Research: A Comprehensive Review. frontiersin, p. 12.
 Ostrand, M. S. (2020). Superabsorbent polymer characteristics, properties, and applications.
Agrosystems, Geosciences & Envirnoment, 9.
 Schröfl, C. (2022). Recent progress in superabsorbent polymers for concrete. Cement and
Concrete Research.
 Shan, J. (2015). Influence of Super Absorbent Polymer on the Mechanical Property of High
Performance Concrete. International Symposium on Material, Energy and Environment
Engineering, 4.

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National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences

Department of Civil Engineering

INNOVATIVE CIVIL ENGINEERING MATERIALS

Umer Jalal Roll #: 23L-8214

Dr. SYED ALI RIZWAN

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Innovative Civil Engineering Materials – FAST-NUCES, Lahore 1

Innovative Civil Engineering Materials – FAST-NUCES, Lahore 2

Fig 1: Powdered Form of Super Absorbent Polymer (Dubey, 2016)

Innovative Civil Engineering Materials – FAST-NUCES, Lahore 3

Innovative Civil Engineering Materials – FAST-NUCES, Lahore 4

Polyacrylate-based SAPs, particularly sodium polyacrylate, emerged as a breakthrough in the

Innovative Civil Engineering Materials – FAST-NUCES, Lahore 5

3 GENERAL USES OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMERS (SAP)

I. OIL SPILL CLEANUP:

Innovative Civil Engineering Materials – FAST-NUCES, Lahore 6

III. WATER RETENTION AND EROSION CONTROL:

4.1 INFLUENCE OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF HIGH

4.1.1 TEST METHOD AND MATERIAL:

Innovative Civil Engineering Materials – FAST-NUCES, Lahore 7

4.1.2 TEST METHOD:

4.1.3 CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

Table 1: Mix Proportions of Sample Concrete

Table 2: Scheme of Test

Innovative Civil Engineering Materials – FAST-NUCES, Lahore 8

4.1.4 TEST RESULTS:

Compressive strength(natural curing) Compressive strength(standard curing)

Table 3: Compressive test results from (Standard and Natural Curing)

4.1.5 EFFECT OF SAP CONTENT:

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4.1.6 EFFECT OF ADDITIONAL WATER CONTENT

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4.1.7 EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CURING METHODS

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4.2 SELF-CURING CONCRETE BY USING SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMER

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Table 4: Physical Properties of SAP

4.2.2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE:

Table 5: mix ratio of the materials used for 1m3

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Curing of Specimen: After 24 hours specimen were demolded.

4.2.3 TESTS CONDUCTED:

The tests conducted on the specimen were:

(i) Compressive strength test for 7, 14 and 28 days

(ii) Split tensile test for 28 days

(iii) Flexural strength test for 28 days

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II. SPLIT TENSILE TEST

III. FLEXURE STRENGTH TEST

Test results for Flexure Strength Test are as following:

Fig 11: AVg. Flexure Strength of SAP polymenr Concrete

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4.2.4 CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

5 Recommendations for Future work on super absorbent Polymers:

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 Dubey, A. (2016). USE OF SUPER ABSORBENT POLYMERS (SAPs) IN CONCRETE. International