Effects of diacrylate monomers on the bond strength of polymer concrete to wet substrates

The bond strengths of polymer concretes containing up to 15% (based on polymer resin) of diacrylate (DA) monomers were examined and compared with those without DA. A change occurring with the addition of DA monomers was an increase in the bond strength of polymer concrete to wet substrates. Zinc diacrylate (ZDA) and calcium diacrylate (CDA) were each used as an additive to monomers and resins [methyl methacrylate (MMA), polyester, and two kinds of epoxies]. The variables were amount of the DA monomers and surface conditions (wet or dry and smooth or rough). Bond strengths were measured by tension bond. ZDA was found to improve the bond strength of MMA and polyester, whereas CDA improved the bond strength of epoxies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 991–1000, 2003     

Effects of metallic monomer powders on the mechanical properties of hardened polyester and acrylic polymer concrete

To investigate the effects of three metallic monomer powders on polyester‐ and acrylic‐hardened polymer concretes, polymer concretes incorporating different levels of these materials were investigated for the properties of hardened polymer concrete. The mix design was made and optimized for workability and strength, depending on the resin viscosity, the intended use, and the additional quantities of these polymeric materials. The investigated properties included the compressive strength, flexural strength, and bond strength of hardened polymer concrete. It was concluded that these polymeric materials offer the possibility of improving the properties of polyester‐ and acrylic‐hardened polymer concretes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3106–3113, 2006     

Post-fire residual mechanical properties of concrete made with recycled concrete coarse aggregates

This paper presents results of an experimental study on the residual mechanical performance of concrete produced with recycled coarse aggregates, after being subjected to high temperatures. Four different concrete compositions were prepared: a reference concrete made with natural coarse aggregates and three concrete mixes with replacement rates of 20%, 50% and 100% of natural coarse aggregates by recycled concrete coarse aggregates. Specimens were exposed for a period of 1 h to temperatures of 400 °C, 600 °C and 800 °C, after being heated in accordance with ISO 834 time–temperature curve. After cooling down to ambient temperature, the following basic mechanical properties were then evaluated and compared with reference values obtained prior to thermal exposure: (i) compressive strength; (ii) tensile splitting strength; and (iii) elasticity modulus. Results obtained show that there are no significant differences in the thermal response and post-fire mechanical behaviour of concrete made with recycled coarse aggregates, when compared to conventional concrete.     

Moisture sensitivity of polyester and acrylic polymer concretes with metallic monomer powders

To evaluate the moisture sensitivity of polyester and acrylic polymer concretes with commercial metallic monomer powders, polymer concretes containing different levels of these powders were investigated with respect to the properties of hardened polymer concrete. The mix design was made and optimized for workability, strength, and economy, which depended on the resin viscosity, the intended use, and the additional quantities of the polymeric materials. The investigated properties included the compressive and flexural strengths of hardened polymer concrete. These polymeric materials offer the possibility of using wet aggregates in polyester and acrylic polymer concrete construction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

An assessment of optimal mixture for concrete made with recycled concrete aggregates

Due to a wide range of variability of engineering properties for recycled concrete, in general, a large number of experiments are usually required as to decide a suitable mixture for obtaining the desired requirements for concrete made with recycled concrete coarse/fine aggregate. This article adopts Taguchi's approach with an L₁₆ (2¹⁵) orthogonal array and two-level factor to reduce the numbers of experiment. Five control factors and four responses (slump and compressive strengths at 7, 14, and 28 days) were used. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significance test with F statistic to check the existence of interaction and level of significance, and computed results of total contribution rate, an optimal mixture of concrete qualifying the desired engineering properties with the recycled concrete aggregates can easily be selected among experiments under consideration.     

Mechanical properties of concrete elaborated with igneous aggregates

Intrusive and extrusive igneous stones are natural sources of aggregates in volcanic regions. This article describes the mechanical properties of concrete elaborated with these two types of coarse aggregates. Portland cement Type I was used to prepare four different admixtures: two with crushed intrusive volcanic gravel, one with and the other without accelerating additive; and two with extrusive volcanic gravel, one with and the other without superplasticizer additive. The four admixtures, cured on a saturated bed of sand, had a slump of 100 mm. Tests of compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of rupture and dynamical elastic modulus were performed on the concrete specimens at ages of 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 45 days. All of these concretes proved to possess excellent mechanical behavior. This is important because it means that it is possible to lower the overall cost of concrete by using cheap and abundant aggregates.     

Structural test of precast polymer concrete

This study was performed to check the feasibility of concrete polymer manhole through a development test of high strength polymer concrete and prepare fundamental data for design to solve the problems of the existing cement concrete manhole. The lower absorption capacity (0.39%) of polymer concrete will be more advantageous in installing manhole in an area with subsurface water. Also long working‐life (63 minutes) will be enough to establish manholes. Conclusively, the high strength polymer concrete that is the most important issue in development of polymer concrete manhole could be made. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Optimization of mechanical properties of polymer concrete and mix design recommendation based on design of experiments

A series of polymer concretes using furan resin, silica aggregates, and microfiller were prepared for statistically designed combinations. The combinations were designed based on the mixture‐design concept of design of experiments. The fillers chosen for the present investigation were high‐purity naturally occurring silica of different particle sizes, their mix proportion optimized to have minimum void. For each polymer concrete combination, the mechanical properties were studied. Each response (mechanical property) was individually optimized for maximum values and compared with the experimental data. To obtain a single‐input combination, having maximum values in all the responses, a combined optimization was done and a mix design was recommended. The coefficient of correlation between the experimental values and predicted values was found to be high, proving the fitness of the selected model. The effect of individual variables on the response was discussed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1107–1116, 2004     

Effects of silane and the lowering of pH on the properties of phenol–formaldehyde resol resins and resin coatings

Phenol–formaldehyde resol resins were modified by the addition of silane (3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane) and the lowering of pH (formic acid). The effects of the modifications on the properties of the resins during storage were studied through comparison with the parent resins and by viscosity measurements, NMR spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Resin coatings on paper were prepared to determine the influence of discoloration of the resin solution on the color of the cured resin. A decrease in the pH of the NaOH‐catalyzed resin solutions lightened the color of the solutions and corresponding coatings, whereas silane additions made the coatings slightly more yellow. The lowering of pH increased the viscosities and decreased the reactivities of the resin solutions compared with the unmodified reference resins during storage. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1933–1941, 2007     

Effects of reactive low‐profile additives on the properties of cured unsaturated polyester resins. I. Volume shrinkage and internal pigmentability

The effects of reactive poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(vinyl acetate)‐block‐PMMA as low‐profile additives (LPAs) on the volume shrinkage characteristics and internal pigmentability for low‐shrink unsaturated polyester (UP) resins during curing at 110°C were investigated. These reactive LPAs, which contained peroxide linkages in their backbones, were synthesized by suspension polymerization with polymeric peroxides as initiators. Depending on the LPA composition and molecular weight, the reactive LPAs led to a considerable volume reduction or even to a volume expansion after the curing of styrene (ST)/UP/LPA ternary systems; this was attributed mainly to the expansion effects of the LPAs on the ST‐crosslinked polyester microgel structures caused by the reduction in the cyclization reaction of the UP resin during curing as well as to the repulsive forces between the chain segments of UP and LPAs within the microgel structures. The experimental results were explained by an integrated approach of measurements for the static phase characteristics of the ST/UP/LPA system, reaction kinetics, cured sample morphology, and microvoid formation with differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and image analysis. With the aid of the Takayanagi mechanical model, the factors leading to both a good volume shrinkage control and acceptable internal pigmentability for the molded parts were also explored. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 264–275, 2005     

Influence of the micro- and nanoscale local mechanical properties of the interfacial transition zone on impact behavior of concrete made with different aggregates

The influence of the microscale local mechanical properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) on macro-level mechanical response and impact behavior is studied for concretes made with copper slag and gravel aggregates. 3D nanotech vertical scanning interferometry, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray micro-analysis, digital image analysis, and 3D X-ray computed tomography were used to characterize the microstructures and the ITZs. It was deduced that a stronger and denser ITZ in the copper slag specimen would reduce its vulnerability to stiffness loss and contribute to its elastic and more ductile response under impact loading. The analysis also indicated that a significant degeneration in the pore structure of the gravel specimen associated with a relatively weaker and non-homogeneous ITZ occurred under impact. Finally, it was also concluded that increased roughness of ITZ may contribute to the load-carrying capacity of concrete under impact by improving contact point interactions and energy dissipation.     

The effect of high temperature on the residual mechanical performance of concrete made with recycled ceramic coarse aggregates

This paper presents an experimental study on the residual mechanical properties of concrete with recycled ceramic coarse aggregate (RCCA) after exposure to elevated temperatures. Four concrete mixes were produced: a control concrete and three concrete mixes with replacement ratios of 20, 50 and 100% of natural aggregate (NA) by RCCA. The specimens were subjected to temperatures of 200, 400 and 600°C, for a period of 60 min. After cooling down to room temperature, the following concrete properties were evaluated: (i) compressive strength; (ii) splitting tensile strength; (iii) modulus of elasticity; (iv) ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV); and (v) water absorption by immersion. At ambient temperature, as expected, the replacement of NA by RCCA resulted in a performance reduction of concrete. After exposure to elevated temperature, in general, the results obtained indicated an improvement of the residual relative mechanical properties of the mixes with RCCA, particularly after exposure to 400 and 600°C. However, exposure to the highest temperature (600°C) tended to cause spalling in concrete mixes containing RCCA. Significant linear correlations were observed between the residual compressive strength of all concrete mixes and both the UPV and the water absorption by immersion. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Novel phenolic resins with improved mechanical and toughness properties

Novel phenolic type of thermoset resins were synthesized, and their mechanical and toughness properties were evaluated. Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) phenolic resins were modified to broaden their applications for modern composite structures. A first modification consisted of copolymerization of Phenol with Cardanol during the synthesis of resole phenolic (CPF) resins. The modified phenolic resins (CPF) were prepared at various molar ratios of total Phenol to Formaldehyde (F : P ratio) and with different weight ratios of Phenol to Cardanol. CPF resins with a maximum content of 40 wt % of Cardanol were synthesized and used. The CPF resins were applied as a plasticizer and toughening agent to the base PF resins. Both resins (CPF/PF) were mixed in different proportions, and their thermal and mechanical properties were then established. A full miscibility of the two resins was observed with the formation of a single‐phase system. An increase in the content of Cardanol resulted in a proportional increase of the flexural strength and fracture toughness together with a decrease of the flexural modulus of the cured CPF/PF resins. Further increased plasticizing and toughening effect was also observed by the blending of the CPF resins with propylene glycol. The higher toughness and flexibility effect of the CPF resins was obtained with a F : P molar ratio equal to 1.25 and with a Cardanol content of 40% (w/w). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Influences of metallic polymeric materials on the properties of fresh polyester and acrylic polymer concrete

To investigate the influences of three metallic polymeric materials in polyester and acrylic fresh polymer concretes (PCs), PC‐incorporated different levels of these materials have been investigated for their properties of fresh PC. The mix design was made and optimized for workability, strength, and economy, depending on the resin viscosity, the intended use, and the additional quantities of these polymeric materials. The properties investigated include workability, working time, and curing time of fresh PC. It is concluded that these polymeric materials offer the possibility of improving properties of polyester and acrylic fresh polymer concretes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006     

Effects of mold cavity temperature on surface quality and mechanical properties of nanoparticle‐filled polymer in rapid heat cycle molding

Acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS)/poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and ABS/PMMA/nano‐CaCO₃ composites were prepared in a corotating twin screw extruder. Single‐gate and double‐gate samples were molded based on a rapid heat cycle molding (RHCM) system. Effects of mold cavity temperature on surface quality and mechanical properties of single‐gate and double‐gate samples in RHCM process were conducted. The results showed that surface quality of plastic parts can be improved significantly by increasing mold cavity temperature. Nano‐CaCO₃ particles on the surface of plastic parts can be eliminated by using high mold cavity temperature. The roughness and gloss of two kinds of plastic parts (ABS/PMMA and ABS/PMMA/nano‐CaCO₃) stabilized at the same level when the mold cavity temperature is above glass transition temperature of resin material. Weld line can be eliminated in RHCM process during high mold cavity temperature. The tensile strength of both ABS/PMMA and ABS/PMMA/nano‐CaCO₃ exhibited decreasing trend with the increase of mold cavity temperature. Reduction of internal stress gave rise to the increase of Izod impact strength of ABS/PMMA for both sing‐gate and double‐gate samples. However, influence regularity of mold cavity temperature on Izod impact strength of ABS/PMMA/nano‐CaCO₃ is depended on the number of gates. For all the samples in this study, too high of mold cavity temperature (higher than 125°C) deprave Izod impact strength of plastic parts. Both ABS/PMMA and ABS/PMMA/nano‐CaCO₃ are not susceptible to weld line. When the mold surface temperature is approximately equal to glass transition temperature of resin material, all the samples are found to give the best combination of properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41420.     

Effects of the chirality and functionality of monomers on the holographic gratings formed in photosensitive films

Photosensitive holographic polymer films were fabricated. Instead of liquid crystals, a nonreactive high‐refractive‐index diphenyl sulfide was mixed with several monomers and an initiator for the preparation of the holographic grating films. To investigate the formation of periodic arrays of the photosensitive refractive‐index modulation films and the effects of the chirality and functionality of monomers on the diffraction efficiency, chiral monomeric (?)‐bornyl acrylate, (+)‐bornyl acrylate, and the racemate (±)‐bornyl acrylate were synthesized and copolymerized with various multifunctional monomers. A reasonable schematic of the photosensitive polymerization mechanism was proposed. The effects of the multifunctional monomers, initiator concentrations, and feed monomer concentrations on the diffraction efficiencies were investigated. The morphologies of the polymer matrices were studied with scanning electron microscopy. Pictures of real light diffraction patterns with 15 grating points were obtained. In comparison with those described in the literature, the diffraction efficiency obtained in this investigation was relatively high. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2246–2254, 2003     

碳纤维增强水泥/混凝土材料力学性能的若干研究

本文通过对水泥基体掺入碳纤维进行研究，得出了复合体抗压强度、劈拉强度与碳纤维掺量的关系。同时文中还利用聚丙烯腈纤维作对比研究，得出目前碳纤维作为增强体的优缺点，为碳纤维增强水泥基复合材料的推广应用提供更多的实验依据。     

Effects of TMPTMA and silane on the compressive strength of low‐temperature cured acrylic polymer concrete

This study addresses the effects of additives on the compressive strength of low‐temperature cured acrylic polymer concrete (PC). Three curing temperatures (0°C, ?10°C, and ?20°C) and five ages (6, 12, 24, 72, and 168 h) with two different types of additives [trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) and silane] were investigated. As a result, the compressive strength tended to decrease as the curing temperature decreased. The compressive strengths at 24 h were approximately 90% of those at 168 h at both curing temperatures of 0°C and ?20°C, indicating that the rate of early age strength development was quite high even at a very low curing temperature range. The results of two‐way variance analysis revealed that silane had a greater impact on the compressive strength than TMPTMA. About 13%–23% strength improvements with a 168‐h compressive strength of over 80 MPa could be obtained at ?20°C by adding silane. Furthermore, this study proposed optimum mixture proportions of acrylic PC that generate a working life of 50–70 minutes with a compressive strength of 80 MPa at subzero temperatures. The findings of this study are expected to be effectively used in field applications of acrylic PC, especially in the cold regions during winter season. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40939.     

Effects of various polyurethanes on the mechanical and structural properties of an epoxy resin

Polyurethanes (PURs) obtained from poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) and polyoxypropylene diols (POPDs) of different molecular weights were used as modifiers of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A. The impact strength, critical stress intensity factor, stress, and strain during three‐point bending were measured as functions of the PUR type and content. Scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy were employed for the structure and morphology analysis. The addition of 10 or 15% PUR to the epoxy resin resulted in the most enhanced mechanical properties. However, a modifier loading higher than 15% led to decreases in the impact strength, critical stress intensity factor, and flexural strength. Moreover, shorter flexible segments in PUR obtained from lower molecular weight PEG led to stronger composites, whereas composites containing PUR based on lower molecular weight POPD with long flexible segments exhibited higher toughness and strain at break and lower impact strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Shrinkage cracking of lightweight concrete made with cold-bonded fly ash aggregates

Shrinkage cracking performance of lightweight concrete (LWC) has been investigated experimentally on ring-type specimens. LWCs with and without silica fume were produced at water-cementitious material ratios (w/cm) of 0.32 to 0.55 with cold-bonded fly ash coarse aggregates and natural sand. Coarse aggregate volume ratios were 30%, 45%, and 60% of the total aggregate volume in the mixtures. A total of 12 lightweight aggregate concrete mixtures was cast and tested for compressive strength, static elastic modulus, split-tensile strength, free shrinkage, weight loss, creep, and restrained shrinkage. It was found that the crack opening on ring specimens was wider than 2 mm for all concretes. Free shrinkage, weight loss, and maximum crack width increased, while compressive and split-tensile strengths, static elastic modulus, and specific creep decreased with increasing coarse aggregate content. The use of silica fume improved the mechanical properties but negatively affected the shrinkage performance of LWCs. Shrinkage cracking performance of LWCs was significantly poorer than normal weight concrete (NWC).