Influence of non-adsorbing polymers on drying of fresh mortars

In this paper, we compare the drying of non-reactive materials (glass beads packing) with the one of fresh mortars. Through the sample drying process, the existing literature on the general underlying physical processes involved in drying of porous media allows for the identification of two distinct regimes. These regimes drive the drying kinetics. We then measure the drying kinetics of the same materials containing polymers, which do not absorb on the cement grains. Our results and analysis suggest that the increase in the viscosity of the interstitial water due to polymer addition is at the origin of a decrease in drying rate. As drying of fresh cementitious materials strongly impacts the final properties in configuration with large exposed surfaces, we suggest that such polymer addition could slow down the overall drying of cementitious materials and improve their service life properties.