ISSN:
1573-4803
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
Notes:
Abstract Mortar mixes with different water-cement ratios and consistency were impregnated with methyl-methacrylate monomer and polymerized thermally under water using the free radical initiatorα, α′-azobis (isobutyronitrile). Results on drying, impregnation and polymerization are presented. It is shown that a considerable amount of polymer remained strongly adhered or chemically inserted in the inorganic matrix. The molecular weight of the inserted polymer is higher than that obtained in the solvent extracted polymer and this is also higher than the polymer molecular weight obtained by bulk polymerization under the same conditions. The compressive and flexural strength of the impregnated mortar were found to be a function of the amount of polymer in the composites. Fracture behaviour under load, and polymer distribution inside the composites were examined by scanning electron microscopic techniques (SEM). It was observed that the polymer acts in two ways, first as a filler of porous and microcrack voids, secondly forming an anisotropic irregular network improving the bond characteristic of the interface between aggregate and matrix. Furthermore, due to the the adhesion of the polymer to both phases, it acts as a reinforcement and improves the mechanical properties, in particular the flexural strength.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00647774
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