Experimental Investigation of Self-Curing Properties of Polymer Modified Concrete

Abstract

In this paper, the curing process of the concrete modified by a liquid polymer in different percentages are investigated, and the self-curing property is observed in polymer percentages of 6 and above. Polymer produces a layer on the surface of the cement and aggregate mortar and fills the small pores inside it, resulting in a considerable reduction in the permeability of the concrete. As the polymer layer forms on the outer layers of the concrete in a relatively short time, it prevents the water inside the concrete from evaporation. For the experimental investigations, 24 tests with 8 concrete cubes in different water-to-cement ratios and cement content of 350 kg/m3 were carried out in the temperature of 25°C. The polymer percentages of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 were used. From the 8 specimens in each test, half were kept in the water and the rest in the ambient air. By conducting compression tests, we found that keeping the cubes into the water or air does not make a noticeable influence on the curing. Moreover, due to their low permeability, we expect these concretes to be suitable for applications in very cold or very hot weathers.