Abstract
The concrete water sealing capability improved substantially by using superabsorbent polymer as admixture in the concrete mix design. Researchers tried almost every conceivable material to be mixed in concrete to alter some of its properties. In this research, superabsorbent polymer is used as an admixture to improve its water tightness properties especially in concrete tanks, aeration basins and retaining structures. The concrete tries to seal the leak by blocking the water path by semi-solid gels. This gel is the product of the interaction of the superabsorbent polymer with water. This self-sealing property of concrete can also be used in any tank or container that holds and retains any kind of liquid. The super absorbent polymer absorbs water at a rate of 300 to 500 times its own weight, in a process transforming the polymer dry powered into gel. Mixing super absorbent polymer with concrete not only improves its water tightness capability, but also provides the concrete with internal curing moisture it needs to improve its strength. This property is very useful in cases where curing of concrete is difficult. The fresh concrete plasticity and consistency change as well. This property is yet to be further explored. Several samples have been prepared to study the effect of the superabsorbent polymer on the concrete strength and on the concrete capability to block the water flow. Concrete cubes, concrete beams and concrete tension samples were prepared to study the concrete strength of concrete mixed with superabsorbent polymer. Also concrete short cylindrical samples were prepared to study the concrete ability to block the water flow. These cylindrical samples were intentionally broken into two approximately equal pieces to create an induced crack. The artificially cracked samples are then subjected to water pressure to study the concrete ability to stop the water flow though the induced concrete crack. Two kinds of water pressure are used in this research; the constant head and the falling head. Samples of different amount of superabsorbent polymer were prepared to study the effect of the increase of the superabsorbent polymer on the concrete strength and on the concrete water tightness capability.
Highlights
One of the most discussed issues around the world is the water chemical pollution by organic, inorganic, bionutrients and microorganisms (Garriga I Cabo, 2007; UNEP et al, 2002)
We have studied the efficiency of the photo-Fenton degradation process of Methylene Blue (MB) in aqueous solution
The BET surface analysis revealed an unexpectedly high specific surface area (Sarea) of 180 m2 g−1 (Table 1) which has been related to the high aspect ratio of this material
Summary
One of the most discussed issues around the world is the water chemical pollution by organic, inorganic, bionutrients and microorganisms (Garriga I Cabo, 2007; UNEP et al, 2002). Aromatic compounds are an important source of environmental pollution that reaches the atmosphere and groundwater, since they are widely used as intermediates in the production of pesticides, synthetic polymers and dyes (Huang et al, 2010). The presence of these substances in the environment is worrisome, since they have carcinogenic, teratogenic and toxic properties (especially the azo dyes), they diminish the penetration of light through the water column and it is not so relevant, they affect aesthetically to nature (Houas et al, 2001; Karadag et al, 2006; Dafnopatidou et al, 2007). These conventional processes for the treatment of wastewater including the degradation of residual dyes are ineffective because these compounds have a high molecular weight and high biochemical stability due to the presence of aromatic rings in their structure (Panizza et al, 2006; Ma et al, 2007)
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