Efficiency measure of SAP as internal curing for cement using NMR & MRI

Nuclear magnetic resonance and imaging was used to quantify the absorbed and desorbed water by superabsorbent polymers (SAP) and the efficiency of SAP as internal curing. SAP pore solution absorption and desorption are found, respectively, 25 g/g SAP, and inversely proportional to time and SAP content. Cement hydration rate of mixes without SAP is statistically equal to mixes with 0.2% SAP and different for 0.3% SAP. Estimated SAP spacing for mixes with 0.2% and 0.3% SAP is 0.78 ± 0.03 and 0.67 ± 0.05 mm, respectively. The corresponding SAP efficiency drops from 98 ± 14% and 71 ± 14% to 84% and 41% when accounting for particles agglomeration.