Explain the Curing method of concrete with of addition of Hydrogel?

Curing of concrete with hydrogel:

Basically curing is one of the chemical processes in the field of polymer chemistry and is widely used in civil engineering to harden the cementitious material bi crosslinking of various polymer chains.

Hydrogel consists of various polymeric compounds which are capable of holding water in their three-dimensional network.

The hydrogel is a wound-healing material. Following precaution should be taken while curing,

• Apply the curing process as soon as possible because the delay of a few hours may create a substantial difference.
• In windy conditions, the spray-on curing membranes method is not more effective.
• In difficult areas like columns, membrane curing is an appropriate option.
• PFA, GGBS and CSF need better curing of long-span i.e. up to 5days.

Hi, hydrogen is a cross-linked polymer which is water absorbed and holds due to its hydrophilic properties.

Nowadays, the hydrogel is used as a curing method but it is very expensive so not used worldwide. the hydrogen curing method is only used for very small and important works.

The hydrogel of type sodium acrylate co-acrylamide is basically used for curing.

This is a superior curing method gives has following advantages:

1. This avoids the bleeding in concrete members.
2. Rate of evaporation of water reduced from inside the concrete.
3. Avoids shrinkage problems.
4. This allows water to retain inside the concrete for a long time.