Influence of Superabsorbent Polymers on Early Stages Hydration of Cement-based Pastes Containing Fly Ash

The main goal of this article is to study various ways of utilization of secondary raw materials in combination with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) and observe the influence of combinations of these materials on the final properties of building materials. This combination of raw materials has not yet been examined and it is possible, that the presence of SAPs might increase the possible utilization of secondary raw materials in the building industry. The secondary raw material chosen to be tested in this research is a by-product of the energy industry, concretely high-temperature fly ash. After designing various compositions of cement pastes representing combinations of two types of SAPs with various properties with fly ash and cement their physico-mechanical and mineralogical properties were determined. Conclusions on the utilization of internal curing of superabsorbent polymers on the incorporation of secondary raw material were decided in the early stages of hydration were determined. The superabsorbent polymer can be used for the purposes of internal curing of the cement-based mixture in the early stages of hydration. The addition of fly ash has a very positive impact on the decreasing of compressive strengths caused by the addition of SAP.