https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1472-6278
![Sample our Built Environment journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5926/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Built-Environment.jpg"})
Abstract
Concrete is currently the most used man-made construction material. Unfortunately it is prone to defects, such as cracks. Crack repair is possible by incorporation of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) which can fill a crack by swelling and promote formation of healing products. However, SAPs are usually acrylate-based and not biodegradable. Present work focuses on development of SAPs based on poly(aspartic acid) (PASP), which is a biobased and biodegradable alternative of acrylate-based polymers. The developed SAP was incorporated in mortar and the effect on the mortar properties was studied. When adding 1 m% SAP, a decrease in strength was observed, similar to commercially available acrylate-based SAPs. The SAPs showed an efficient and immediate sealing effect in cracked mortar, reflected by a reduction in water permeability over 50%. Hence, the developed biobased SAP shows good sealing properties and could be used as a sustainable alternative for acrylic SAPs in concrete repair.
Acknowledgements
This research was carried out in the framework of project ‘GREENER’. Project ‘GREENER’ is financed by the Interreg V program Flanders-The Netherlands, the cross-border collaboration with financial support of the European Fund for Regional Development with co-financing from province East Flanders and the Ministry of Economical Affaires and Climate (The Netherlands). More information: www.grensregio.eu.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).