EURO MED SEC 03


WATER VAPOR TRANSPORT IN PLASTERS CONTAINING SUPERABSORBENT POLYMERS

JAN FOŘT, MARTIN MILDNER, PETR HOTĚK, ROBERT ČERNÝ


Abstract

A proper characterization of material properties represents an important step towards an efficient building design. Considering the present issues in the construction sector, moisture loads pose a risk not only to increased material deterioration but also to the health of building inhabitants. In this paper, modified plaster mixtures with superabsorbent admixture are designed in order to improve passive moderation of finishing layers against varying humidity conditions. The relationship between the amount of applied superabsorbent admixture and resulting water vapor transport properties is identified and the influence of temperature on water vapor transport is analyzed. The steady-state cup method is used for the determination of water vapor transport properties, namely the water vapor diffusion permeability, water vapor diffusion coefficient and water vapor diffusion resistance factor. The obtained data show temperature as a very significant factor affecting water vapor transport in the analyzed plasters. Considering the dry-cup method arrangement, relative humidity probes should be used for monitoring relative humidity under the sealed sample for a sufficiently precise determination of water vapor pressure gradient.

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