Mechanical and permeability properties of polymer-modified concrete using hydrophobic agent

Abstract

Three types of polymer modifier used in concrete (styrene-butadiene rubber latex, polyacrylic ester emulsion and organic silicon waterproof agent) were employed to investigate their effects on the compressive strength, capillary water absorption and chloride ion permeability of concrete. Results show that the incorporation of polymer modifier reduces the compressive strength, and fly ash (FA) can improve this adverse effect. All three polymer modifiers can significantly reduce the permeability of concrete, and the effect is more significant at high water-to-binder ratio. Among them, the compressive strength of organic silicon waterproof agent modified concrete is the most similar to that of ordinary concrete, and the sorptivity coefficient is relatively low, even at higher dosages. In addition, with the prolongation of the curing age, the impermeability of polymer-modified concrete mixed with FA reaches the best. The addition of FA can not only achieve economic and environmental benefits, but also cooperate with the polymer in the concrete, thereby improving the waterproofness of the concrete.