Performance evaluation of super absorbent polymer modified cement mortar with nano-silica/GGBS

Abstract

Modified cement mortar plays a major role in enhancing the properties of conventional cement mortar such as strength, durability, better adhesion, reduce porosity and shrinkage and improve workability. Certain modifiers, like industrial by-products, can be incorporated into mortars to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact. The main aim of this study is to develop Super Absorbent Polymer Modified cement mortars with Nano Silica/GGBS. In this study, conventional cement mortar blended with Nano Silica and Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) as one combination then GGBS and SAP blended mortar as another combination was examined to mitigate the negative impact of SAP. Ternary Blended cement mortars prepared with various SAP dosages of 0.25% of cement and 0.5% of cement. Nano-Silica is an additive used in the range of 1%, 1.5%, and 2% of the weight of cement. A combination containing GGBS and SAP, GGBS is a replacement for cement in the range of 15%, 30%, and 45% to the weight of cement. The combined effect of altering SAP and Nano-silica/GGBS composition on the mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties were studied using experimental investigation. Peak improvement in the compressive strength of the control mix of 6.52% is noted in the mix combination that contains 0.25% SAP and 15% GGBS replacement. The durability test revealed that the weight loss minimized by 19.58% and strength loss minimized by 36.17% due to acid attack is noted in the combination of GGBS and SAP. Weight loss minimized by 36.17% and strength loss minimized by 22.71% due to sulphate attack is noted in a mix containing GGBS. From experimental investigation, 30% & 45% GGBS replacement in place of cement had no significant improvement in mechanical, durability, and microstructural properties compared to 15% GGBS replacement, which optimum obtained in this study to alleviate the negative consequence of SAP when used as an internal curing agent.