Study on the effectiveness of SAP, PEG-400, and PVA as self-curing agents: A comparative approach

Authors

  • Sundaramoorthy Ganesan Centre for Building Materials, Department of Civil Engineering, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Tamilnadu, India Author https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8683-3607
  • Meyyappan Palaniappan Centre for Building Materials, Department of Civil Engineering, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Tamilnadu, India Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6925-5277

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62638/ZasMat1336

Abstract

Concrete's performance essentially depends on the hydration process, requiring adequate moisture and a controlled environment for curing. The traditional curing is challenging in water-scarce regions and in high-altitude areas. The self-curing concrete as an emerging sustainable and efficient alternative in conventional curing method scenarios and in challenging environments. Self-curing, or internal curing, is an innovative solution that ensures sufficient moisture for hydration and minimizes evaporation to enhance properties of concrete. This study explores the impact of various self-curing agents Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP), Polyethylene Glycol-400 (PEG-400), and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) on the fresh and mechanical properties of self-curing concrete. The nine mix designs were developed, with self-curing agents incorporated at dosages of 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight of cement. The mechanical properties analysed include compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength, while workability was assessed using slump tests. The results expose that PEG-400 at 1% dosage the highest performance in terms of strength and workability, with compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths of 26.29 N/mm², 2.19 N/mm², and 2.27 N/mm², respectively. The SAP exhibited moderate performance with enhanced internal curing, while PVA offered balanced hydration benefits but lower strength compared to PEG-400. The increasing dosages of all agents led to a decline in mechanical performance due to reduced hydration efficiency and increased viscosity. The PEG-400 of optimizing self-curing agents to achieve a balance between curing efficiency and mechanical performance, contributing to the development of sustainable, high-quality concrete with reduced water consumption.

Keywords:

Self-Curing Concrete, PEG-400, SAP, PVA, Mechanical Strength, Sustainable Construction

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09-10-2025

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