Water-soluble polymers as self-curing agents in cement mixes

This paper describes investigations on the effect of using water-soluble polymers (polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyacrylamide (PAM)) as self-curing agents on the water retention, degree of hydration, water absorption, permeable pores and microstructural characteristics of Portland cement mixes with and without silica fume as cement replacement. Mixes including self-curing agents showed better water retention, higher content of non-evaporable water, lower water absorption and permeable pores compared with non-cured mixes without self-curing agents. For mixes without silica fume, the use of PEG+PAM was more effective than the use of PEG alone, especially at late ages. The rate of hydration after 28 days of hardening for mixes containing 8% silica fume was higher when PEG+PAM was used than the rate of similar mixes with PEG solely. Investigation of the microstructural characteristics showed a denser microstructure and a lower tendency for microcrack formation for self-cured mixes with and without silica fume compared with similar non-cured mixes.