Effect of natural and artificial weathering on the long-term flexural performance of polymer mortars

Abstract

The weathering resistance of two different polymer mortar (PM) formulations to strong corrosive environments is analyzed and assessed by means of both natural and artificial weathering tests. In an experimental program, specimens of both formulations were exposed to the natural environment during one year at a maritime site in the middle of Portugal. In an other experimental program, by means of a solar box and salt fog chamber devices, the effects of artificial weathering were considered. The flexural strength retained after exposure to the environments was the key parameter for assessing the weatherability of the PM formulations. Acceleration factors, based on a one-year time scale, were determined and employed to predict the flexural strength of the materials under a long-term out door exposure at a natural maritime site.