The influence of the chemical composition of hydrogels on their behavior in cementitious materials

This study examines how the chemical composition of hydrogels influences the behavior of hydrogels in cementitious materials. A stark contrast in the behavior of some hydrogels in extracted cement pore solution, where cement particles are excluded, and in cement mixture was observed. The observed contrast was attributed to the chemical processes between the hydrogel and cement particles, which are excluded in the extracted pore solution. This finding raises concerns regarding the accuracy of hydrogel absorption measurements using only the extracted pore solution to determine the absorption of hydrogels in cement paste. The effect of hydrogels with different chemical compositions on the hydration, electrical resistivity, autogenous shrinkage, and strength of cement paste was evaluated and discussed.