Properties of polymer‐modified mortars based on methyl methacrylic latexes with emulsifier contents and various monomer ratios

Abstract

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of the emulsifier content and monomer ratio on the typical properties of the polymer‐modified mortars with methyl‐methacrylate–butyl‐acrylate (MMA/BA) and methyl‐methacrylate–ethyl‐acrylate (MMA/EA) latexes and obtains basic data necessary to develop appropriate latexes for cement modifiers. The polymer‐modified mortars using the MMA/BA and MMA/EA latexes polymerized with emulsifier contents and at various monomer ratios are prepared for different polymer–cement ratios, and tested to obtain the particle size of the polymer latexes, the glass transition temperature of the polymer film, air contents, water–cement ratios, flexural and compressive strengths, water absorption, and chloride ion penetration. From the test results, the polymer‐modified mortars using MMA/BA and MMA/EA latexes with the mix proportions of synthesis having emulsifier contents of 5–6% and monomer ratios of 50 : 50 to 60 : 40 for the appropriate mix proportions can be recommended for practical applications. The basic properties of the polymer‐modified mortars are more affected by the polymer–cement ratio rather than the monomer ratio and emulsifier content, and are improved over unmodified mortar. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3010–3018, 2007