Title: Porosity and Permeability of Mortar Specimens Incorporating PEO113–b–PS218 Micelles

Author(s): D.A. Koleva, K. van Breugel, G. Ye, J. Zhou, G. Chamululu, and E.A.B. Koenders

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 267

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 101-110

Keywords: mortar; permeability; polymer nano-aggregates; porosity.

DOI: 10.14359/51663286

Date: 10/1/2009

Abstract:
This work presents results from an on-going investigation on the microstructural properties of cement-based materials in the presence of very low concentration of polymeric nano-aggregates. The hereby discussed properties are mainly porosity and permeability of mortar specimens, containing 0.5 g/L (0.03 lb/ft3 ) (mixing water) Poly(ethylene oxide)-block-Polystyrene (PEO113-b-PS218) stabilized micelles. The coefficient of water permeability, K, for the samples cast with nano-aggregates was found to be significantly lower, 3.65 e–14 m/s, compared to the control specimen, 3.7 e–8 m/s. Apparently, even a very low concentration of PEO113-b-PS218 micelles is able to significantly reduce water permeability at early ages. The phenomena are most likely denoted to re-distribution and transformation of hydration products in the matrix, the micelles contributing to restructuring of the pore space and altering the cement hydration mechanisms due to their specific amphiphilic properties.