Effect of Retrograded Starch Hydrogel on the Hygroscopic and Durability Properties of Clay Composites
Yahor Trambitski,
Olga Kizinievič,
Viktor Kizinievič
Affiliations
Yahor Trambitski
Laboratory of Composite Materials, Institute of Building Materials, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Linkmenų g. 28, LT-08217 Vilnius, Lithuania
Olga Kizinievič
Laboratory of Composite Materials, Institute of Building Materials, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Linkmenų g. 28, LT-08217 Vilnius, Lithuania
Viktor Kizinievič
Laboratory of Composite Materials, Institute of Building Materials, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Linkmenų g. 28, LT-08217 Vilnius, Lithuania
This study is devoted to assessing the hygroscopic and durability properties of a clay composite with the addition of a natural polymer. Modified polymer-retrograded starch hydrogel (RSH) of various concentrations (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0%) and heating times (3 and 5 h) were used as clay stabilizers. The introduction of retrograded starch tends to increase the drying rate of clay composites at the early period of 0–4 days without the formation of shrinkage defects. Moisture uptake increased by 29% (from 140 to 180 g/m2) over the control clay composite without RSH. The hysteresis rate of the clay samples modified with RSH decreased by half (from 0.3 to 0.15%), but the hygroscopic properties were better. The use of RSH polymer increased the durability (water erosion resistance) of the clay composite. The obtained composite has great potential for indoor use due to its high moisture-regulating and durability properties.
