Effect of Soaking Time and Polymerization Temperature on Polymer Concrete

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the effect of soaking time and polymerization temperature on the properties of polymer-impregnated concrete. Soaking time was controlled in 4.0, 8.0, 12.0, 16.0, 20.0 and 24.0 hours, polymerization temperature was set at 70 GC 80 DGC and 90 'C for 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 12.0 and 24.0 hours impregnation process, respectively. Cylindrical concrete specimens with water/cement ratios of 0.45 and 0.65 were impregnated with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) mixtures. The polymer loading increases as immersion time increases until 12 hours. Based on compressive strength and surface absorption, optimum polymerization temperature is 70 DGC for Mix A and 80 DGC for Mix B. Polymer impregnation not only increases concrete strength and resistivity but also greatly decreases surface absorption comparing with normal concrete. SEM and MIP observations indicate that the micro-pores and meso-pores of PIC specimens are filled with PMMA and the total pore volume and maximum pore size are reduced.