Comparative Study Between Polyethylene Glycol-400 (PEG-400) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) for Self-Curing Concrete

The rapid increase in construction activities has significantly increased the demand for water used in concrete curing. Conventional curing methods require continuous external water supply, which is often impractical in regions with water scarcity. This research focuses on self-curing concrete using Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-400) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as internal curing agents. The study evaluates the mechanical properties of concrete, particularly compressive strength, by varying the percentage of these agents. The results demonstrate that self-curing concrete improves hydration, reduces shrinkage, enhances durability, and minimizes water consumption. The study concludes that PVA shows better performance compared to PEG in terms of strength and water retention.