An oil swellable polymer (OSP) with oil absorptivity as high as 700% is synthesized.
Addition of OSP decreases the total porosity of the hardened cement paste (HCP).
Addition of OSP reduces the water adsorption rate and increases the oil absorptivity of HCP.
Incorporation of OSP significantly increases the expandability of HCP upon oil absorption.
A novel technique to achieve a crack self-healing property is developed.