Effects of metallic monomer powders on the mechanical properties of hardened polyester and acrylic polymer concrete

To investigate the effects of three metallic monomer powders on polyester‐ and acrylic‐hardened polymer concretes, polymer concretes incorporating different levels of these materials were investigated for the properties of hardened polymer concrete. The mix design was made and optimized for workability and strength, depending on the resin viscosity, the intended use, and the additional quantities of these polymeric materials. The investigated properties included the compressive strength, flexural strength, and bond strength of hardened polymer concrete. It was concluded that these polymeric materials offer the possibility of improving the properties of polyester‐ and acrylic‐hardened polymer concretes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3106–3113, 2006     

Moisture sensitivity of polyester and acrylic polymer concretes with metallic monomer powders

To evaluate the moisture sensitivity of polyester and acrylic polymer concretes with commercial metallic monomer powders, polymer concretes containing different levels of these powders were investigated with respect to the properties of hardened polymer concrete. The mix design was made and optimized for workability, strength, and economy, which depended on the resin viscosity, the intended use, and the additional quantities of the polymeric materials. The investigated properties included the compressive and flexural strengths of hardened polymer concrete. These polymeric materials offer the possibility of using wet aggregates in polyester and acrylic polymer concrete construction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

新型弹性丙烯酸聚氨酯玻璃钢底漆的研制

以弹性丙烯酸树脂和HDI聚合物为成膜物制得双组分玻璃钢专用底漆,经测试其各项性能达到设计要求.研究发现:不同官能度的HDI聚合物固化剂对涂料的力学性能和施工性能有影响,但对耐化学品和耐久性影响不大;带亲颜料基团的高分子嵌段共聚物分散剂对漆料的研磨效率和贮存稳定性贡献要大于氨基聚酯型分散剂;有机改性膨润土和气相二氧化硅比聚乙烯蜡浆对涂料喷涂施工厚度提高效果要明显.     

Studies on Furan Polymer Concrete

Good mechanical properties and excellent chemical resistance of polymer concretes make them cost effective material of construction for civil engineering applications. These properties of polymer concretes are dependant upon the type of polymeric binder and the filler materials used. In the present investigation, a series of polymer concretes based on furan resin have been prepared using an aggregate mix proportion having minimum void content. Density, water absorption and microstructure were studied for different combinations designed on the basis of mixture design concept of design of experiments. The effects of variables on the properties were discussed.     

Study of the behavior of polyester concretes containing ionomers as curing agents

Polyester concretes have been used in constructions for more than 20 years. This type of polymer concrete can advantageously replace traditional Portland concrete in situations that require fast consolidation of the material. Otherwise, polyester concretes are usually more expensive than Portland concretes. Part of the high cost of the polyester concretes is due to the fact that the aggregates used in the formulation of the concretes need to be dried prior to their incorporation into the polymer matrix. In this work, the use of different curing systems (methacrylic acid and maleic anhydride) was investigated to test the hypothesis that the introduction of acid functionalities into unsaturated polyesters based on isophthalic acid could both restrict the detrimental effect of moisture in the curing process and also improve interfacial interactions even in polyester concretes containing wet aggregates. In this work, as there was no search for ways to reduce cost of polyester concretes and also to contribute to the environmental preservation, unsaturated polyesters were synthesized from PET bottles and tested in the fabrication of concretes by reacting them with a conventional curing agent (styrene). Gel permeation chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, and electron microscopy were used to monitor and analyze the production of unsaturated polyester resins and concretes. Mechanical properties were also evaluated by compression tests. Results showed that methacrylic acid and maleic anhydride, when used as curing agents, led to the production of polyester concretes having higher mechanical properties in both dry and wet states than conventional polyester (based on isophthalic acid) concretes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Influence of superplasticizers on rheological behaviour of fresh cement mortars

To assure required workability of high performance concrete (HPC), various superplasticizers are used. Only by using superplasticizers can rheological properties of HPC mix be adequately adjusted to the methods and conditions of concrete processing. Thus, the key element in efficient workability shaping is the complex knowledge how superplasticizers influence the rheological properties of fresh concrete in different technological circumstances.In the paper, the methodology and test results of an investigation into the influence of chemically different superplasticizers on the rheological properties of standard mortars are presented and discussed. The rheological parameters of mortars yield value g, and plastic viscosity h were determined using VISCOMAT PC rotational rheometer. In the research, the influence of the performance of superplasticizers was investigated taking into account following factors: chemical origin of superplasticizers (SNF/naphthalene sulfonic acid/, AP/polycarboxylate acid, PC/policarboxylate ester/), superplasticizer dosage, W/C ratio, cement type (CEM I, CEM II and CEM III), cement physical and chemical properties and temperature.The results presented in the paper show that by testing rheological parameters of mortars with rotational viscometer, it is possible to complex and precisely determine the performance of superplasticizers. On the ground of obtained results, it is possible to optimise the composition of mortars and concretes from workability point of view.     

Development of high volume fly ash cements for use in concrete construction

The paper describes a study undertaken to examine the use of high levels of low-lime fly ash (high volume FA) as a cement component in concrete, beyond the 30% level commonly adopted. The results indicate that FA levels up to 45% by mass can be combined with Portland cement (PC, C1) to produce the range of practical concrete design strengths, although early strength, which may be critical in construction, can be reduced compared to PC, and lower level FA concretes. The study progressed to consider the use of a rapid hardening Portland cement (C2) and low energy clinker (C3) combined with FA at 45%, as a means of overcoming these early strength shortfalls. Both were found to be effective in matching early strength behaviour of PC concrete. Tests covering fresh (workability loss, bleeding and moisture loss), engineering (strength development, modulus of elasticity, drying shrinkage and creep) and durability (absorption, permeability, carbonation rates and chloride diffusion) properties of these concretes were then carried out. The results indicate that in almost all cases, either similar or enhanced performance was achieved with the high volume FA concrete, compared to that of PC and these findings offer a route to extending FA use. The practical implications of the study are also examined.     

Eco-friendly concretes with reduced water and cement contents — Mix design principles and laboratory tests

The major environmental impact of concrete is caused by CO₂-emissions during cement production. Great potential for reducing the impact is seen especially for concretes with normal strength. The use of superplasticizers and highly reactive cements as well as optimization of particle-size distribution and reduction in water content allows a significant reduction in Portland cement clinker in the concrete. Essential is the addition of mineral fillers (e.g. limestone powder) to provide an optimal paste volume. In addition, the already practicable substitution of secondary raw materials like fly-ash or furnace-slag for cement clinker is an appropriate option which is however limited by the availability of these resources.In several test series the fresh and hardened concrete properties of concretes with reduced water and cement contents were investigated, especially their workability, strength development, design-relevant mechanical properties as well as durability aspects such as carbonation. It was shown that concretes with cement clinker and slag contents as low as 150 kg/m³ were able to meet the usual requirements of workability, compressive strength (approx. 40 N/mm²) and mechanical properties. The carbonation depth of concretes with 150-175 kg/m³ clinker and slag was equal or lower than the depth of conventional reference concretes for exterior structures. The ecological advantages were identified, using environmental performance evaluation. A reduction of up to 35% in environmental impact was calculated compared with conventional concrete and of more than 60% with granulated blast-furnace slag. Practical application was verified by means of full-scale tests in a precast and ready-mix concrete plant.     

Effect of metakaolin dispersion on the fresh and hardened state properties of concrete

The use of pozzolanic materials such as metakaolin in mortars and concretes is growing. Their use is usually related to the promotion of hydraulic binder reactions or to the mitigation of expansive reactions that can occur in concrete. Introduction of fine particles such as metakaolins, can have a strong effect on fresh and hardened state properties. This paper aims to study the effect of metakaolin in concrete formulations with a preset workability and to assess the system rheology but also its hardened state properties such as mechanical strength. The effect that the dispersion of metakaolin particles induces on concrete microstructure, particularly in porosity, is discussed. Formulations were prepared with several metakaolin amounts and workability was controlled either with water or a high range water reducer admixture (HRWRA). The use of HRWRA can cause deflocculation of metakaolin particles, allowing workability control in concrete and leading to better efficiency and improved performance.     

Thermal and Phase Change Material Properties of Comb-Like Polyacrylic Acid-Grafted-Fatty Alcohols

Poly(acrylic acid)-graft-fatty alcohol are synthesized from the esterification of polyacrylic acid with octadecanol and docosanol. The characterization of poly(acrylic acid)-graft-fatty alcohol was performed by attenuated total reflection–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal stability performances and phase change behaviors of poly(acrylic acid)-graft-fatty alcohol were examined by using thermogravimetric analysis system and differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicate that the poly(acrylic acid)-graft-fatty alcohol polymeric phase change materials possess good phase change properties and provide a suitable working temperature range. The heating process phase change enthalpy is measured between 112 and 122?J g^?1, and the freezing process phase change enthalpy is found between 118 and 126?J g^?1. The decomposition of poly(acrylic acid)-graft-fatty alcohol polymeric phase change materials started at 177°C and reached a maximum of 380°C. All of the obtained poly(acrylic acid)-graft-fatty alcohol polymeric phase change materials improved latent heat storage capacity in comparison with the pristine poly(acrylic acid) polymer. With the obtained results we conclude that, these materials promise a great potential in thermal energy storage applications.     

萜烯基聚酯丙烯酸酯的合成及性能研究

以萜烯马来酸酐(TMA)、DCPD、顺酐(MA)、乙二醇(EG)、丙二醇(PG)、丙烯酸(AA)为主要原料,通过三步法合成了聚酯丙烯酸酯。通过红外光谱分析仪、动态机械分析仪和TG研究了不同原料配比、缩聚反应时间、阻聚剂用量对涂膜性能的影响。结果表明,该光固化涂膜具有良好的力学性能、耐化学性能和耐热性,且固化速度快,可单独作为UV固化的预聚物使用。     

Interfacial adhesion in polyester resin concrete

Silane coupling agents are widely used to improve the interfacial adhesion between the inorganic filler and the organic polymer matrix of polymer concretes. The mechanical properties of the concretes are also found to improve on the addition of silane coupling agents. This paper compares two methods of silane application; pretreatment of aggregates with silane and direct addition of silane to the resin, on the interfacial adhesion in polyester resin concrete for three different silanes. The effects of other parameters, such as the silane loading, predrying of aggregates before silane treatment, addition of CaCO₃ microfiller and pH of the silane treatment medium, are also investigated.     

Effect of the type of superplasticizer on the properties of cementitious systems incorporating slag

Superplasticizers have become an integral ingredient in the formulation of concretes. After 40?years, their use and dosage remain uncertain due to variations in their compositions and those of cement. In addition, the substitution of cement by supplementary cementitious materials having different chemical compositions exacerbates the problem without counting the multiplicity of superplasticizers to choose from. The present work consists of a study of the rheological and mechanical properties of cementitious systems containing slag and various types of superplasticizers. The tests were carried out on pastes, mortars and concretes incorporating slag in partial cement replacement and four superplasticizers types, polynaphthalene sulphonate (PNS) and three polycarboxylates (PC). The results of this study demonstrate that the viscosity and the yield stress increase with the rate of incorporation of the slag. The air increases with the polycarboxylates but this effect is less perceptible in the presence of the slag. Polycarboxylates improve workability more than PNS. The use of polycarboxylates reduces the viscosity and the yield stress. The compressive strength of concretes containing slag is low at early age but high at long run. They exhibit good resistances to scaling. The permeability to chloride ions is considerably reduced in the presence of the slag independently of the type of superplasticizer, suggesting good durability of these concretes in potentially aggressive external environments.     

Evaluation of the wettability of mortar component granular materials through contact angle measurements

The wettability of granular materials has a direct effect on the workability of pastes, mortars and concretes containing such materials. Given this, the wetting behaviour of two Portland cements, two mineral admixtures (limestone filler and silica fume) and different sand types (siliceous, limestone and granite) was evaluated through the measurement of the contact angle between these materials and water. The results show that all the materials possess high wettability. A chemical agent, dichlorodimethylsilane, was used to modify the surface properties of a 0–1 mm siliceous sand, making it more hydrophobic and, therefore, unable to be spontaneously wetted by water. The properties of a mortar produced with the silane-treated sand were evaluated, showing improvements on workability as a result of the chemical treatment.     

Influence of hydration on the mechanical,structural, thermal,and morphological properties of cement filled epoxy composites

Different loading of Portland cement (PC) (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) was used to produce epoxy-based polymer concrete. The optimum loading was used to prepare another sample using hydration in presence of air circulation. The polymer concretes were characterized in terms of mechanical, thermal, structural and morphological properties. The properties showed increasing trends after cement addition. Results showed that the tensile strength of the polymer concretes were improved by 37.2%, 115.5%, 165.9%, and 40.6% for loading of 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% cement, respectively. In addition, the flexural strength of the polymer concretes was also enhanced and found maximum (175.3% higher) in 30 wt% concrete compared to neat epoxy. Other mechanical properties of the polymer concrete were also found increasing. Moreover, decomposition temperature was raised nearly 15°C for adding 30 wt% cement which was the maximum among the other polymer concretes. For the case of hydration in presence of air circulation, the prepared composite showed the highest tensile mechanical performance with improved surface topography. From the results, it was concluded that the addition of cement into the epoxy was very effective to produce polymer concretes.     

Premix polymer cement concrete

On the basis of previous work, three monomers, viz, methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate and styrene, were selected for extensive investigations as premix additives for concrete. For comparison purposes, polymer impregnation with methyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate was investigated. Styrene was not used because of difficulties in polymerisation. The results indicated that only methyl methacrylate dispersed well in the fresh concrete. It also increased workability substantially. The strength of all concretes containing premix additives were less than the strength of the control series. Shrinkage values were increased relative to the control series and in the case of the polymethyl methacrylate series this increase was substantial. The strength of the impregnated series was higher than the controls, as would be expected. The impregnated concrete exhibited negative shrinkage in a drying environment, a finding consistent with previously reported information on the creep of polymer impregnated concrete.     

Influence of acrylic coatings on the interfacial, physical, and mechanical properties of stone-based monuments

Conservation of historical buildings is an important issue. The environmental conditions seriously affect the monumental stones. Although different coating materials were tested, the polymeric materials have been showing the most promising results for protection of archeological stones. Therefore, in the current study, the acrylic polymer was used for conservation of monuments made of sandstone and limestone. The adsorption of the acrylic polymer onto both stones was analyzed and the durability of the coatings under different environmental conditions was tested and simulated by artificial aging. Moreover, the mechanism of polymer-stone interactions was elucidated by interfacial characterization techniques.The results showed that the adsorption of polymer onto either stones is physical as shown by Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) and electrokinetic measurements. In addition, the presence of polymer coating shows a significant improvement in physical and mechanical properties of the treated stones, e.g., increase in bulk density from 1.9 to 2.3 g/cm³ and decrease in porosity from 15.8% to 2.7% as well as the noticeable increase in compressive strength. All these measures indicated the suitability of acrylic polymer for conservation of either stones.     

Properties of concretes produced with waste concrete aggregate

An environmentally friendly approach to the disposal of waste materials, a difficult issue to cope with in today's world, would only be possible through a useful recycling process. For this reason, we suggest that clearing the debris from destroyed buildings in such a way as to obtain waste concrete aggregates (WCA) to be reused in concrete production could well be a partial solution to environmental pollution. For this study, the physical and mechanical properties along with their freeze-thaw durability of concrete produced with WCAs were investigated and test results presented. While experimenting with fresh and hardened concrete, mixtures containing recycled concrete aggregates in amounts of 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100% were prepared. Afterward, these mixtures underwent freeze-thaw cycles. As a result, we found out that C16-quality concrete could be produced using less then 30% C14-quality WCA. Moreover, it was observed that the unit weight, workability, and durability of the concretes produced through WCA decreased in inverse proportion to their endurance for freeze-thaw cycle.     

Performance of concretes produced with superplasticizer

Nowadays, additive chemical substances are used in the production of high‐performance concrete composites. These additives increase the fresh workability of concrete by decreasing the water/cement (W/C) ratio. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of water‐soluble polymers on concrete performance. For this purpose concretes with and without additives were produced with W/C values of 0.52, 0.56, and 0.60. Chemical admixtures such as naphthalene formaldehyde sulfonate (N), melamine formaldehyde sulfonate (S), and a hyperplasticizers admixture (a special type of melamine sulfonated polymer) (H) were used in concrete. The amounts of these admixtures were at a ratio of 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 wt % of the cement's weight. Experiments assessing slump, VeBe, percentage of air, and unit weight were done for comparison with the test results of the characteristics of fresh concrete with and without admixtures. The compressive strength of concretes was determined at 7, 28, and 56 days. The effects of chemical admixtures were studied by comparing the properties of fresh and hardened concrete samples with and without admixtures. When the W/C ratios were 0.56, 0.60, and H was 1 wt %, the biggest slump was obtained and found to be 22 cm. Concrete with a W/C ratio of 0.52 and H of 1% has the highest compressive strength. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3214–3219, 2007     

Properties and structure of polymer concrete composite material with divinyl benzene as a crosslinking agent

A study has been performed to determine the effect of the use of divinyl benzene(DVB) as a crosslinking agent in polymeric binders consisting of mixtures of styrene, acrylonitrile, and acrylamide, on the thermal stability and structure of polymer concretes(PC), containing sand and cement as an aggregate. The results indicate that the inclusion of DVB results in improvements in the thermal and mechanical stability. The improvements are attributed to three-dimensional cross-linking of the polymer due to the inclusion of DVB. The influence of the sand-cement ratio on the structure of PC samples at 240°C are also discussed.