Abstract
Over the past two decades, polymer concrete has increasingly been used for a number of applications including piping, machine bases, chemically resistant flooring, and bridge overlays. Currently, the use of polymer concrete as a wear surface for polymeric composite bridge decks is being investigated. Polymer concrete is a particulate composite comprised of mineral aggregate bound by a polymeric matrix. Such materials posses significantly higher mechanical properties than Portland cement concrete. However, the mechanical characteristics and environmental durability of polymer concrete are influenced by a number of factors. Among these are the selection of aggregate and resin, surface treatment, and cure conditions. In this work the influence of matrix selection and cure history on the environmental durability of polymer concrete was investigated. Particular attention was given to the effects of water on composite properties and to the mechanisms by which degradation occurs. The basalt-based polymer concrete systems investigated were susceptible to attack by water. Furthermore, results suggest that property loss associated with water exposure was primarily a result of interfacial weakening.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1642-1654 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Journal | International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition (Proceedings) |
| Volume | 41 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - 1996 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Proceedings of the 41st International SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition. Part 1 (of 2) - Anaheim, CA, USA Duration: Mar 24 1996 → Mar 28 1996 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Materials Science(all)
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering