Rheological properties of modified sulfur polymer composites containing cement-fly ash blend at different temperatures

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of micro-filler characteristics and mixing temperature on the rheological properties of fresh modified sulfur polymer composites. Modified sulfur was used as the binder, and a blend of Portland cement and fly ash was used as the micro-filler in the sulfur composites. Different micro-filler volumetric ratios were used (15, 25, and 35%), and the composition ratios of Portland cement to fly ash used were 1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, and 0:1. Two temperatures, 120 and 140 °C, were selected considering that the temperatures of sulfur composites usually range from 120 to 140 °C at casting. Moreover, the correlation between mini slump flow and yield stress was examined. In addition, the compressive strengths of various hardened sulfur composites were compared with respect to the effect of micro-filler. An increase in the micro-filler volumetric ratio generally caused an exponential growth of both yield stress and plastic viscosity. The rheological properties generally increased as the cement-to-fly ash ratio increased, and this effect was distinct with 35% micro-filler. The increase in the mixing temperature from 120 to 140 °C caused a considerable increase in both yield stress and plastic viscosity.