Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) as physical air entrainment in cement mortars

Super absorbent polymers (SAPs) are novel multipurpose materials in concrete technology. This study investigated the potential for using SAPs as a mechanism for physical air entrainment. Mixtures were produced using various quantities of either dry or pre-saturated SAP along with a conventionally air-entrained control. One additional mixture used lightweight fine aggregate as a mechanism for physical air entrainment. The quality of the air void system was investigated using a high resolution flatbed scanning and image analysis. It was found that one-dimensional water absorption decreased with increased SAP dosage suggesting that SAP would not increase degree of saturation during freezing and thawing. Various dosage rates and conditions of SAP were able to produce adequate air void systems with satisfactory size and distribution as compared to conventional air entraining agents.