Effect of Polymer Modification on Structural and Mechanical Properties of Concrete Using Epoxy Emulsion as the Modifier

Abstract

Polymer-modified concrete (PMC) is made by modifying ordinary concrete by polymer additives such as liquid resins, re-dispersible polymer powders, latexes, water-soluble polymers, and monomers to enhance the structural and mechanical properties. In this experimental work, a comparative study has been performed using epoxy emulsion as the modifier in PMC of M-40 grade with different percentage of epoxy emulsion (10, 12, and 15% polymer-to-cement ratio) with conventional concrete. The compressive and flexural strengths of PMC attained after 7, 28, and 56 days have been monitored. The effects of temperature on the properties of PMC using scanning electron microscope have also been studied. It is observed that with the increase in polymer-to-cement ratio (p/c) both compressive and flexural strengths of the concrete increase and maximum strength is achieved at 15% polymer-to-cement ratio. It is observed that temperature has an adverse effect on the strength of epoxy emulsion-modified concrete. SEM results show that the polymer acts as a binder and it prevents the formation of micro-cracks which results in the increase of the strength of PMC.