Water-absorbing Polymer Research Articles

A field study integrating plant physiology-soil response for quantifying wilting and plant survival time in a polymer-amended soil

Water deficiency caused by climate change is a global challenge for food security. Viable sustainable alternatives for enhancing water storage in the soil is a necessity for arid and drought prone regions. Water-absorbing polymer (WAP) is capable of improving the water storage in soil pores, and its efficacy can be ascertained by evaluating the resilience of plants towards wilting. The main objective of this study was field demonstration on the usefulness of fly ash-based WAP (FA-WAP) in prolonging wilting and plant survival time of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and radish (Raphanus sativus) in a silt loam. This was achieved by following a novel methodology for determining plant permanent wilting point (PWP) by integrating both soil response (suction) and plant response (stomatal conductance and photosynthetic yield), as against the common practice of considering a reference negative water potential (or soil suction) value of 1500 kPa. Using the proposed methodology, the PWP was 1300 kPa and 1150 kPa for beans and radish, respectively. The measured soil water retention curves (SWRC) demonstrated higher water availability in the WAP-amended soil compared to the control soil for both plant species, thereby prolonging plant survival time. The presence of WAP positively influenced the plant biochemical parameters (such as H2O2, MDA, proline, CHL A+B) under water deficit conditions. The WAP amendment resulted in 2.3 and 1.4 times crop yield for beans and radish, respectively, compared to the unamended soil. The use of FA-WAP has a high potential to reduce the irrigation water demand without compromising the yield of two vegetable species considered in this study.

Influence of water-absorbing polymers on grain crop yield, disease incidence, and end-use quality

Influence of water-absorbing polymers on grain crop yield, disease incidence, and end-use quality

Effect of water-absorbent polymer balls in internal curing on punching shear behavior of bubble slabs

Abstract The punching shear capacity of bubbled slabs is one of the main problems due to its decreased thickness; when there is inadequate curing, the problem becomes more critical, causing the building’s structural performance to deteriorate and exposing it to the risk of collapse. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using water-absorbent polymer balls in internal curing on the punching shear behavior of bubble slabs. Six concrete slabs were cast (1,000 mm × 1,000 mm × 70 mm). The main variables in this study are the type of slab (solid and bubble), type of curing (water and air), and ratio of water-absorbent polymer balls (5 and 10%). Studying the performance use of polymer balls and recycled plastic balls together and in normal strength concretes is limited. Also, investigating their behavior can provide insight into the efficiency of using these materials to improve concrete structures. Results showed that the most effective ratio for using polymer balls in internal curing is 5%, which had a good effect on the ultimate load, the first crack load, deflection, and crack pattern compared to the water-curing sample (reference sample). The water-absorbent polymer balls used in this study can absorb water when added to a concrete mixture. They release the water absorbed and subsequently contract, forming voids that are equivalent in size to the balls. This process facilitates internal curing while reducing the weight of concrete through the air voids left by the balls after they are dry.

Examining the soil bacterial community under the combined influence of water-absorbing polymer and plant subjected to drought stress

Examining the soil bacterial community under the combined influence of water-absorbing polymer and plant subjected to drought stress

Advancements in Regenerative Hydrogels in Skin Wound Treatment: A Comprehensive Review.

This state-of-the-art review explores the emerging field of regenerative hydrogels and their profound impact on the treatment of skin wounds. Regenerative hydrogels, composed mainly of water-absorbing polymers, have garnered attention in wound healing, particularly for skin wounds. Their unique properties make them well suited for tissue regeneration. Notable benefits include excellent water retention, creating a crucially moist wound environment for optimal healing, and facilitating cell migration, and proliferation. Biocompatibility is a key feature, minimizing adverse reactions and promoting the natural healing process. Acting as a supportive scaffold for cell growth, hydrogels mimic the extracellular matrix, aiding the attachment and proliferation of cells like fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Engineered for controlled drug release, hydrogels enhance wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. The demonstrated acceleration of the wound healing process, particularly beneficial for chronic or impaired healing wounds, adds to their appeal. Easy application and conformity to various wound shapes make hydrogels practical, including in irregular or challenging areas. Scar minimization through tissue regeneration is crucial, especially in cosmetic and functional regions. Hydrogels contribute to pain management by creating a protective barrier, reducing friction, and fostering a soothing environment. Some hydrogels, with inherent antimicrobial properties, aid in infection prevention, which is a crucial aspect of successful wound healing. Their flexibility and ability to conform to wound contours ensure optimal tissue contact, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness. In summary, regenerative hydrogels present a promising approach for improving skin wound healing outcomes across diverse clinical scenarios. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits, mechanisms, and challenges associated with the use of regenerative hydrogels in the treatment of skin wounds. In this review, the authors likely delve into the application of rational design principles to enhance the efficacy and performance of hydrogels in promoting wound healing. Through an exploration of various methodologies and approaches, this paper is poised to highlight how these principles have been instrumental in refining the design of hydrogels, potentially revolutionizing their therapeutic potential in addressing skin wounds. By synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting potential avenues for future research, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of regenerative medicine and ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with skin wounds.

Highly Efficient Hemostatic Cross-Linked Polyacrylate Polymer Dressings for Immediate Hemostasis.

A traumatic hemorrhage is fatal due to the great loss of blood in a short period of time; however, there are a few biomaterials that can stop the bleeding quickly due to the limited water absorption speed. Here, a highly absorbent polymer (HPA), polyacrylate, was prepared as it has the best structure-effectiveness relationship. Within a very short period of time (2 min), HPA continually absorbed water until it swelled up to its 600 times its weight; more importantly, the porous structure comprised the swollen dressing. This instantaneous swelling immediately led to rapid hemostasis in irregular wounds. We optimized the HPA preparation process to obtain a rapidly water-absorbent polymer (i.e., HPA-5). HPA-5 showed favorable adhesion and biocompatibility in vitro. A rat femoral arteriovenous complete shear model and a tail arteriovenous injury model were established. HPA exhibited excellent hemostatic capability with little blood loss and short hemostatic time compared with CeloxTM in both of the models. The hemostatic mechanisms of HPA consist of fast clotting by aggregating blood cells, activating platelets, and accelerating the coagulation pathway via water absorption and electrostatic interaction. HPA is a promising highly water-absorbent hemostatic dressing for rapid and extensive blood clotting after vessel injury.

Combined influence of water-absorbing polymer and vegetation on soil water characteristic curve under field condition

Combined influence of water-absorbing polymer and vegetation on soil water characteristic curve under field condition

Tecnologias para redução do uso de água no abacaxizeiro em região semiárida

ABSTRACT: In irrigated systems, the adoption of management methods like soil cover, polymers which absorb the water present in the soil and the utilization of shading screens can decrease the water consumption by the plants. This is achieved as these means protect the plant and soil against radiation and wavelengths of light undesirable for cultivation. However, for pineapple cultivation in the semi-arid climate regions, very little study has been done regarding these technologies. Hence, the present study conducted to assess the pineapple growth, production and quality when various kinds of soil cover, red shading screen and water absorption polymers are employed. To accomplish this, a field trial was performed utilizing four types of soil cover in the plots (plastic mulching; organic matter; organic matter + red shading screen 50%; plastic mulching + red shading screen 50% and the control (no cover).Two treatments were included in the subplots namely, either the absence or presence of a water-absorbing polymer in the planting hole (0.5 g per plant), arranged in subdivided plots. We adopted the Randomized Complete Block (RCB) , with three replications. The following aspects of the plants were studied: naturally flowering, stem diameter; leaf area index; D-leaf area and total leaf area; fruit weight with crown; fruit weight without crown; fruit length with crown; and fruit length without crown, as well as the traits of the post-harvest fruit, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH and the soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio. Further, the productivity in t ha-1 and efficiency of water use (EUA) were ascertained. It was evident that the plastic mulching + 50% red shading screen favored the vegetative development and productivity of the ‘IAC Fantástico’ pineapple plants. The characteristics of the quality of the postharvest fruit were unaffected by the treatments. The shading screen reduced the percentages of natural flowering in the treatments which included organic matter + red shading screen 50% and plastic mulching + red shading screen 50%.

Heavy aggregate and different admixtures effect on pavings: pyrite, corundum and water-retaining polymer

Concrete pavings are widely used in the construction industry as flooring for decorative and structural purposes in the gardens, parks, and roads of America, and Europe. In the present study, the effects of pyrite, corundum, and water-retaining polymer additives on the surface wear resistance of concrete pavings were investigated. Concrete pavings were poured in 2 stages and all of the bottom layers of samples were the same, but upper layers of pavings were produced by adding pyrite in the ratio of 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40 according to the mass of the aggregate, 5 kg /m2 corundum-based surface hardener to the paving surface area, and a high amount of water-absorbing polymer at a ratio of 0.05 and 0.10 to the water content of the mixture. Vertical abrasion, splitting tensile strength, water absorption, freeze-thaw resistance, pendulum footed friction, and surface hardness measurements with Schmidt test hammer experiments were made to TS 2824 EN 1338 standard. Also, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses were carried out to characterize the produced materials. Results of the study indicate that the use of pyrite, corundum, and water-retaining polymers provided improvements in the surface wear resistance of concrete pavings.Concrete pavings are widely used in the construction industry as flooring for decorative and structural purposes in the gardens, parks, and roads of America, and Europe. In the present study, the effects of pyrite, corundum, and water-retaining polymer additives on the surface wear resistance of concrete pavings were investigated. Concrete pavings were poured in 2 stages and all of the bottom layers of samples were the same, but upper layers of pavings were produced by adding pyrite in the ratio of 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40 according to the mass of the aggregate, 5 kg /m2 corundum-based surface hardener to the paving surface area, and a high amount of water-absorbing polymer at a ratio of 0.05 and 0.10 to the water content of the mixture. Vertical abrasion, splitting tensile strength, water absorption, freeze-thaw resistance, pendulum footed friction, and surface hardness measurements with Schmidt test hammer experiments were made to TS 2824 EN 1338 standard. Also, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses were carried out to characterize the produced materials. Results of the study indicate that the use of pyrite, corundum, and water-retaining polymers provided improvements in the surface wear resistance of concrete pavings.

Polímero hidroabsorvente na produção de mudas de sabiá sob diferentes turnos de rega

ABSTRACT Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth is an arboreous species native to the Caatinga commonly utilized for restoration of degraded areas. One factor that can affect its development is water shortage. This denotes the importance of searching for alternatives for improving these plant's tolerance to water shortage, such as the use of water-absorbing polymers known as hydrogels. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the production of M. caesalpiniifolia seedlings under different hydrogel rates and water regimes. The experiment was conducted at the Forest Nursery of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, PB, Brazil. Seeds were sown in 2-liter pots made from halved polyethylene terephthalate bottles, containing a substrate consisted of soil and cattle manure (2:1 v v-1). A completely randomized design with four replications was used, in a 4×2 factorial arrangement consisted of four hydrogel rates in the substrate (0, 1, 2, and 3 g L-1) and two water regimes (daily irrigation and irrigation every 2 days). The following parameters were evaluated at the end of the experiment (75 days after sowing): number of leaves per plant, stem base diameter, plant height, root length, shoot and root dry weights, water relative content, chlorophyll content, gas exchanges, and Dickson quality index. Most of parameters presented no statistically significant difference; however, the hydrogel rate of 2 g L-1 resulted in increased production of M. caesalpiniifolia seedlings, whereas the absence of hydrogel resulted in longer roots, regardless of the water regime.

Hydrogel Based on Cashew Gum and Polyacrylamide as a Potential Water Supplier in Mombaça Grass Pastures: A Sustainable Alternative for Agriculture

Hydrogels are water-absorbing polymers that can hydrate forage plants in the soil. The objective was to evaluate the replacement of synthetic hydrogels derived from petroleum with biodegradable hydrogels in Mombaça grass pastures (Megathyrsus maximum). The experimental treatments consisted of no hydrogel (NH); synthetic commercial hydrogel (CH), made from a synthetic polyacrylamide product; and biodegradable test hydrogel (TH), obtained from cashew gum (Anacardium occidentale). The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with five replications and three treatments. The morphogenesis, production, chemical, and mineral composition of the Mombaça grass pasture were assessed. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and mean comparison using the Scott–Knott test at 5% probability. The leaf elongation rate showed 42.3 mm day−1 in the treatment TH, which was higher (p < 0.05) than NH (35.0 mm day−1). The green leaf mass yield was higher in TH than in NH and CH. On the other hand, hydration had no effect on the chemical composition. The mineral composition of Mombaça grass showed more Zn when TH was used. It can be concluded that biodegradable hydrogels can replace synthetic commercial hydrogels in pastures.

Assessing the Effect of Irrigation Levels and Hydrogel on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

One of the most essential inputs for agriculture is water. Moisture stress at critical growth stages in wheat severely effects the growth and yield. Hydrogel (water-absorbing polymer) can keep the appropriate moisture level at the root zone depth and protects the crop from adverse effect of moisture stress. The present trial was conducted during rabi season of 2020-21 to assess the performance of different hydrogels under different levels of irrigations on growth, yield, and water use efficiency of wheat. Results revealed that application of 3 irrigations recorded significantly maximum number of tillers per m2 at 90 Days After Sowing and at harvest. The application of Nano hydrogel @ 20 kg ha-1 significantly increased the number of tillers per m2 at 90 DAS and at harvest over control. Significantly maximum grain (26.1%) and straw (24.5%) yield were obtained with 3 irrigation levels over one irrigation. The Nano hydrogel increased grain (33.6%) and straw (22.9%) yield significantly over control. Water use efficiency significantly improved with one irrigation over 3 irrigation levels, application of Nano hydrogel @ 20 kg ha-1 significantly increased WUE.

Optimal Design of Micro-expanded ECC and Its Interfacial Bonding Property with Steel Tube

The large shrinkage strain of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) seriously affects its combined application with steel tube in engineering. In order to reduce the shrinkage of ECC and realize the effective bonding between ECC and steel tube, this paper studied the effects of single or multiple doped of expansive and internal curing agent on the shrinkage and mechanical properties of ECC, and tested the interfacial bond strength between ECC and steel tube. CaO and MgO compound expansive agent (CME), calcium sulfoaluminate expansive agent (HCSA), super water-absorbing polymer (SAP) internal curing agent are chosen for test. The results show that ECC mixed with 10% CME expansive agent and 0.2% SAP shows a slight expansion under the condition of sprinkling water curing. Moreover, the push-out test shows that the bond strength between micro-expanded ECC and steel tube reaches 1.27 MPa, which is nearly 2 times higher than that of the ordinary ECC, and higher than the bond strength of C50 filled steel tube. This paper provides the test and theoretical basis for the joint application of ECC with steel tube.

Pengaruh Iradiasi Gamma dan Asam Akrilat terhadap Sifat Mekanik Polimer Super Water Absorbent (SWA) Berbasis Onggok

The Super Water Absorbent (SWA) polymer is a type of polymer that has exceptional water absorption capabilities while remaining insoluble in water. In this study, the authors conducted research on the modification of SWA by including acrylic acid and acrylamide monomers, followed by a crosslinking process utilising gamma irradiation. This study investigated the impact of acrylic acid and gamma irradiation on the mechanical characteristics of SWA. The experimental findings demonstrated a notable enhancement in the mechanical properties of the hydrogel by the incorporation of acrylic acid. This was evidenced by a substantial rise in the hardness value, which rose from 11.09 mJ to 36.13 mJ.

Developing an environmental friendly approach for enhancing water retention with the amendment of water-absorbing polymer and fertilizers

The effect of climate/environmental change has resulted in adverse water stress conditions which necessitates the sustainable approaches for improving the water use efficiency to boost agricultural production in Central Asia. Water-absorbing polymer (WAP) has emerged as one of the amendments for soil water stress management. WAP are chemically cross-linked structure capable of absorbing and storing a large amount of water. The agricultural land has different levels of fertilizers which can influence the performance of WAP because of its sensitivity due to external ionic medium. Therefore, the combined or hybrid use of WAP and organic/ inorganic fertilizers may inhibit the functionality of WAP, which needs to be thoroughly investigated. This study demonstrates the performance of two different WAPs (a commercially WAP (crosslinked potassium polyacrylate) and a laboratory synthesized WAP (crosslinked fly ash-polyacrylate superabsorbent composite)) with varying combinations of fertilizers in silt loam (agrarian soil). The combined use of fertilizers and WAP have improved the water retention properties of soils due to modification in the soil pore volume for both the WAPs. Quantification from water retention properties revealed a significant increase in plant wilting time (PWT) and plant available water content (PAWC) under the combined influence of fertilizers and WAP amended soils, indicating the possibility of high-water availability to plant roots. The study suggests the potential of WAPs as an efficient soil conditioner even in the presence of fertilizer for countering the negative impacts of water stress conditions. WAPs might minimize the requirement for chemical fertilizers, which helps to enhance the climate/environmental change and agriculture sector in the Central Asian region.

Efficacy of novel water‐absorbing polymer amended soil for improving drought resilience of Solanum lycopersicum

AbstractClimate change has exacerbated the frequency and duration of droughts. To sustain food production in such conditions, water storage and retention capacity of soil must be enhanced. Development of water‐absorbing polymer (WAP) from coal carbon residue (fly ash) can provide an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial WAP for enhancing water retention and crop yield. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the growth performance of tomato species (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under continued drought conditions in the presence of in‐house developed fly ash‐based WAP (FA‐WAP) against that of commercially available WAP (Com‐WAP). Quantification of the soil–water retention curve (SWRC) revealed an increase in plant wilting time and plant‐available water content (PAWC) in the order: control soil (no amendment) < Com‐WAP‐amended soil < FA‐WAP‐amended soil. Both the WAPs positively influenced the transpiration factors of crops in terms of stomatal conductance (SC) and photosynthetic yield under continued drought conditions. The yield parameters (i.e., the number of fruits, total weight, and shoot fresh biomass) increased by 82, 106, and 115%, respectively, in the case of FA‐WAP‐amended soil as compared with that of the control. Nevertheless, FA‐WAP provided 20% higher yield of tomato species during continued drought conditions than commercial WAP. The application of FA‐WAP can be an effective strategy to impart beneficial usage of FA waste by significantly reducing the irrigation frequency and irrigation water requirement without compromising the crop yield. It also ensures sustainable water stress management for a major food crop (tomato), thereby contributing towards United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals 2, 13, and 15.

Predicting compressive strength of cement-based materials containing water-absorbent polymers considering the internal-curing region

The water-absorbent polymer will bring large holes and the internal-curing region for cement-based materials. These two effects will bring negative and positive effects on the compressive strength of the cement-based material, respectively. In this paper, a calculation model of the compressive strength of cement-based materials with water-absorbent polymers was proposed considering the influence of the large holes and internal-curing on the compressive strength. A method for determining the internal-curing width of water-absorbent polymers based on backscattering image analysis was established. Based on the internal-curing width, the compressive strength was predicted and compared with the results of experiments. In addition, the influences of the internal-curing width, size, dosage, mass swelling rate, and volume swelling rate of water-absorbent polymers on the compressive strength were analyzed. The results show that the internal-curing width of the water-absorbent polymers with a mass swelling ratio of 4.22 g/g is about 13 µm. Based on the internal-curing width obtained by characterization, the compressive strength obtained by model is 7 % greater than that obtained by experiments. Besides, the influence range of the internal-curing width, size, and mass swelling ratio of the water-absorbent polymers on the compressive strength is between 80 Mpa and 90 Mpa. The influence range of the dosage and the volume swelling rate of the water-absorbent polymers on the compressive strength is between 20 Mpa and 90 Mpa. The compressive strength is mainly related to the dosage and the volume swelling rate of water-absorbent polymers. The larger the dosage and volume swelling rate are, the smaller the compressive strength is.

Bench scale percolation tests on radioactive Cs-contaminated soil in Fukushima and soil modified with water-absorbing polymer agent

The reuse of removed soil generated from decontamination projects in Fukushima as a recycled material for the construction of embankments has been under consideration for the sake of reducing the volume of this soil for its final disposal. Agents containing water-absorbing polymers are used in Fukushima to modify the removed soil in order to increase the separation efficiency of foreign materials and to improve the easiness of handling. As the reuse of modified soil containing organic water-absorbing materials, such as a superabsorbent polymer, is rather rare in the geotechnical field, it necessitates an investigation into the impact of the modifying agent on the leachate quality to ensure the environmental safety of the recycling project. In this study, therefore, bench scale percolation tests were conducted to examine the changes in the leachate quality of the removed soil with and without modification by an agent containing a superabsorbent polymer. The tests lasted for more than 950 days (liquid/solid ratio of over 10). The peak 137Cs concentration in the leachate from the removed soil was 8.6 Bq/L and the accumulated leaching ratio was 0.243 %. The leaching of 137Cs from the modified soil decreased by 60 % after mixing the removed soil with a 3 % water-absorbing polymer agent. The leaching of K+ and ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) was 40 % and 60 % lower, respectively, after the soil modification, while the accumulated amount of leaching of the dissolved organic carbon in the initial stage was 60 % higher. The total leachate amount collected from the modified soil was 4 % lower than that collected from the removed soil.

Early decompression promotes motor recovery after cervical spinal cord injury in rats with chronic cervical spinal cord compression

The number of elderly patients with spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities (SCIWORA) has been increasing in recent years and common of most cervical spinal cord injuries. Basic research has shown the effectiveness of early decompression after spinal cord injury on the spinal cord without stenosis; no studies have reported the efficacy of decompression in models with spinal cord compressive lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of decompression surgery after acute spinal cord injury in rats with chronic spinal cord compressive lesions, mimicking SCIWORA. A water-absorbent polymer sheet (Aquaprene DX, Sanyo Chemical Industries) was inserted dorsally into the 4–5th cervical sublaminar space in 8-week-old Sprague Dawley rats to create a rat model with a chronic spinal compressive lesion. At the age of 16 weeks, 30 mildly myelopathic or asymptomatic rats with a Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score (BBB score) of 19 or higher were subjected to spinal cord compression injuries. The rats were divided into three groups: an immediate decompression group (decompress immediately after injury), a sub-acute decompression group (decompress 1 week after injury), and a non-decompression group. Behavioral and histological evaluations were performed 4 weeks after the injury. At 20 weeks of age, the BBB score and FLS (Forelimb Locomotor Scale) of both the immediate and the sub-acute decompression groups were significantly higher than those of the non-decompression group. There was no significant difference between the immediate decompression group and the sub-acute decompression group. TUNEL (transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) staining showed significantly fewer positive cells in both decompression groups compared to the non-decompression group. LFB (Luxol fast blue) staining showed significantly more demyelination, and GAP-43 (growth associated protein-43) staining tended to show fewer positive cells in the non-decompression group. Decompression surgery in the acute or sub-acute phase of injury is effective after mild spinal cord injury in rats with chronic compressive lesions. There was no significant difference between the immediate decompression and sub-acute decompression groups.

Influence of water-absorbent polymer balls on the structural performance of reinforced concrete beam: An experimental investigation

Abstract This research investigated the influence of water-absorbent polymer balls (WAPB) on reinforced concrete beams’ structural behavior experimentally. Four self-compacted reinforced concrete beams of identical geometric layouts 150 mm × 200 mm × 1,500 mm, reinforcement details, and compressive strength f c ′ {f}_{\text{c}}^{^{\prime} } ≈ 50 MPa were castellated. Each beam contained a volume percentage of WAPB that differed from the others, and the considered percentages were V b = 0, 1, 2, and 3%. A static test under two-point loads was adopted to evaluate the structural behavior of the tested beams. The results indicated that the maximum load capacity of the tested beams was increased by 2.0, 3.0, and 7.14% for the volume percentages of 1, 2, and 3%, respectively, as compared to the reference beam (V b = 0%). It was also observed that the impact of V b = 3% was higher than that of the other percentages. For all the tested beams, the mode of failure was a flexural failure that is compatible with the considered preliminary design. The results showed that increasing the percentage of polymer to 3% had a significant effect on the deflection, as the deflection was directly proportioned to the percentage of WAPB.