Journal Article

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties and Durability of Polymer Silica Fume Concrete with Vinyl Ester Resin

Farahani, Atiye, Fakharian, Pouyan, Jahed Armaghani, Danial, Farahani, Hosein Zanjirani

2023

Overview

Polymer concrete, which contains silica fume powder and vinyl ester resin as two replacements for Portland cement, has improved mechanical properties and durability compared to ordinary concrete. Thus, this kind of concrete is considered to be a high-strength concrete that is resistant to corrosion and chemical attacks. In this paper, the effects of the combination of silica fume powder and vinyl ester resin as two Portland cement replacements on the workability and slump value, initial and final water absorption, compressive and tensile strength, and failure and fracture paths of the polymer concrete have been investigated. All investigations have been based on 16 different polymer concrete mixture designs. The results indicate that the optimum percentages for a combination of silica fume and vinyl ester resin, which has the maximum compressive strength (34.26 MPa) and the maximum tensile strength (4.92 MPa), are a combination of 10% silica fume and 5% vinyl ester resin. To evaluate the durability of polymer concrete, the water absorption of all mixture designs has also been measured. Accordingly, the mixture design, which includes a combination of 15% vinyl ester resin and 5% silica fume, has a minimum initial and final water absorption equal to 0.62% and 1.95%, respectively.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,MDPI
• Subject: Cement hydration / Composite materials / Compressive strength / Concrete / Construction industry / Corrosion / Corrosion effects / Corrosion resistance / Durability / Epoxy resins / High strength concretes / Investigations / Mechanical properties / Mixtures / Polyesters / Polymer concretes / Polymers / Portland cements / Silica fume / Tensile strength / Vinyl ester resins / Water absorption / Workability