Structure of Polymer-cement Composite optimized with Secondary Raw Materials

Structure This paper focuses on possibilities of use of selected secondary raw materials for modification of developed high strength coating based on polymer-cement. The aim is achieving the same or better physical-mechanical properties of resulting material at maximal level of substitution of cement with secondary raw materials. Because of high contents of amorphous SiO2 two secondary raw materials were selected: high temperature fly ash and recycled soda-lime glass to replace cement by 20 and 40% by weight. These secondary raw materials were pre-treated in ball grinder to specific surface of the substituted Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R, 300 m∙kg and specific surface 400 m∙kg (±50 m∙kg). Selected test specimens were subjected to compressive strength determination after 3, 28 and 90 days. Samples of selected mix-designs were subjected to Computed Tomography to determine influence of substitution of cement with individual additions on structure of polymer-cement composite. The main finding is that suitable secondary raw materials can successfully substitute binder to the extent of 40%; in case of fly ash, the compressive strength after 28 days was higher by 10% and in case of ground glass by 12%. At the same time, positive influence of ground glass on density and integrity of the cement stone was proved. Based on the findings it can be stated that suitable secondary raw materials are capable of enhancing properties of the developed high strength coat. The main result is enhancement of basic physico-mechanical properties and at the same time achieving better structure of the coat, which is the elementary condition for high chemical resistance of cement based composite material.