Advancing Experimentation of Water-Absorbing Cementitious Materials: The Design and Fabrication of a Micro-Tensile Testing Apparatus

Abstract

In this work, a multicomponent apparatus was designed and constructed to effectively perform micro-tensile testing between a single particle of hydrogel (SAP) and its cement substrate. This was done to overcome the challenges that were met with Prof. Moini’s research into a water-absorbent cementitious composite material, which involved the surface-to-surface composition of SAPs and cement. Qualitative analysis is often necessary to further the development into any new material and accurately characterize its behavior. The minuscule size and elastic properties of hydrogels limited the ability to perform traditional tensile testing. After an in depth investigation into the limitations and constraints at hand, a micro-tensile testing apparatus was successfully designed and manufactured. Inspiration for the gripping component was found in the lens system of traditional analog cameras. Following that, representative samples were produced and tensile testing was performed to measure the separation energy between the individual materials. The results were then analyzed to confirm functionality and construct a list of remarks on the product’s performance. Lastly, quick calculations were made to estimate the adhesive strength of the composite material.