Mechanical properties of polymer-modified concretes containing expanded polystyrene beads

In this study, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) latex as a polymeric admixture was applied in lightweight expanded polystyrene (EPS) concrete. The effects of curing conditions and polymer-cement ratio on the compressive and flexural strengths of polymer-modified EPS concretes were investigated. As a result, the strength development of the polymer-modified EPS concretes strongly depends on the curing conditions. Combined dry and wet curings enable to develop both the strengths of cement matrix and SBR films together. Inclusion of SBR latex at a certain polymer-cement ratio in the EPS concrete improves the bonds between the cement matrix and EPS particles due to the SBR films formed in the cement matrix. In addition, SBR modification can significantly improve the flexural strength of the normal EPS concrete. Compared with the EPS concrete, the compressive strength of the polymer-modified EPS concretes can increase gradually even after 28 days.