Comparative study on the performance of photochromic cement, epoxy, and polyester mortars

The utilization of photochromic cement and photochromic polymeric (epoxy and polyester) mortars in building applications is explored in this study. In order to achieve the objective, photochromic cement, epoxy, and polyester mortars were fabricated, and their performances were comparatively evaluated. The physical and mechanical properties, including water absorption, compressive strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity, as well as the phase and microstructural characteristics of the mortars, were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis after a curing period of 28 days. The study also evaluated the photochromic (color coordinates) and optical responses (absorbance values) of cement and polymeric samples exposed to control and urban-industrial environments for 28 and 180 days, respectively. The results demonstrated that polymeric photochromic mortars (epoxy and polyester) exhibited higher compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity values compared to photochromic cement mortars. Additionally, the findings showed that polymeric photochromic mortars (epoxy and polyester) had greater absorbance values and maintained their photochromic response over time compared to photochromic cement mortars. •Photochromic (PC) cement and polymeric (epoxy and polyester) mortars were produced.•PC polymeric mortars exhibited higher compressive strength than PC cement mortars.•PC polymeric mortars exhibited lower water absorption than PC cement mortars.•PC polymeric mortars retained their optical and colorimetric properties.•Analytical characterizations revealed the functionality of PC pigment in mortars.