Regression analysis and Vipulanandan model to quantify the effect of polymers on the plastic and hardened properties with the tensile bonding strength of the cement mortar

Abstract

In this study, the impact of three different types of polymer on the flowability, consistency, setting time, density and mechanical properties of cement mortar were investigated. Three types of polymer with different percentage up to 0.25% (by dry weight of cement) were used. The flowability of cement mortar was kept at 110 ​± ​5% as recommended by ASTM standard. Addition of 0.25% of polymers (A, B, and C) reduced the required water to reach the standard flow by 26.5%, 26%, and 27% respectively. Also, the flowability, compressive strength, and flexural strength at different curing times were increased with increasing the polymer content. Addition of 0.25% of polymers to the cement mortar increased the compressive strength of the cement mortar by 197%–230% based on the types of polymer, water to cement ratio (w/c) and curing time. The tensile bonding strength of cement mortar increased by 45%–168% based on the types of polymer, w/c and curing time. Nonlinear model (NLM) was used to separate the effect polymer contents, w/c and curing time on the compressive strength of cement mortar. The Vipulanandan correlation model was also used to correlate the polymer content with the fluidity of cement paste, compressive and flexural strengths of cement mortar modified with different types of polymer.