Mechanical properties and durability of PMMA impregnated mortar

• Published in: The Korean journal of chemical engineering Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 334 - 339
• Main Authors: Nair, Priya, Ku, Du Hyun, Lee, Chul Woo, Park, Jung Soon, Park, Hun Young, Lee, Won Mook
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 2010; 한국화학공학회
• Subjects: Biotechnology; Catalysis; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Industrial Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Materials Science; 화학공학; Durability; Polymer; Composite; Cement Mortar; Strength
• ISSN: 0256-1115; 1975-7220
• DOI: 10.1007/s11814-009-0346-9

Polymer impregnated concrete (PIC) is known to exhibit better strength and durability characteristics than the other classes of polymer cement composites. In the work described herein the monomer was impregnated into cement mortar and polymerized by two methods — the conventional thermal method and using microwaves. The mechanical properties and durability characteristics of the samples and on exposure to chemical environments were then evaluated. The above studies revealed that the strengths of PIC specimens were almost 2–3 times better than those of conventional cement mortars. The chemical resistance was also found to be superior even on prolonged exposure to the chemical media. This may be attributed to the protective layer formed by the polymer on the cement mortar, which prevents the external chemical media from interacting with the cement particles. The properties of the PIC specimens prepared by both methods have also been compared and discussed in this paper.