ART-PYH

Internal Curing Agents

These agents contain superabsorbent polymers that, unlike conventional water-absorbing materials,  exhibit exceptional water-retention capacity;  even under high pressure the absorbed water is scarcely released naturally. However, once swollen, the polymers will liberate moisture when exposed to elevated pH or high ionic strength. In cement hydration,  the dissolution of Ca 2 +  and other cations from the clinker raises the pore-solution pH and ion concentration, triggering the polymers to continuously release water and supply the additional moisture required for further hydration.

By internally supplying water, the agents raise the internal moisture content and flatten the relative-humidity gradient within the concrete, thereby providing self-curing.

High-performance concrete incorporating internal curing admixtures shows substantially improved freeze – thaw and impermeability resistance; under hot, dry conditions the benefit to long-term durability is even more pronounced.