Effects of vibration technology and polyvinyl acetate emulsion on microstructure and properties of expanded polystyrene lightweight concrete

Abstract

To prevent expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads from rising up to the surface in the molding process of EPS lightweight concrete, vibration with pressure was applied and the polyvinyl acetate (PVA) emulsion was adopted to improve its mechanical properties. The mechanical properties, thermal properties and durability of EPS lightweight concrete were tested. The microstructures of EPS lightweight concrete were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Vibration with pressure reduces the number of small cracks. The 180 d compressive strength and flexural strength increase obviously as a large amount of PVA was added. The mixed amount of PVA has no obvious influence on the thermal performance when it is not more than 10% of the cement. Vibration with pressure and surface modification of EPS beads by PVA improve the combination of EPS beads with cement stone and the mechanical properties of EPS lightweight concrete.