Strength characteristics of polymer mortar and concrete using different compositions of resins derived from post-consumer PET bottles

Abstract

The recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste was depolymerized through glycolysis to produce unsaturated polyester resin (UPER). The UPER so produced was then used as a binding agent to produce polymer mortar (PM) and polymer concrete (PC). Eight different sets of PM and PC were produced by varying PET to glycol ratio, dibasic acids and initiator promoter combinations. The PET to glycol ratio used in the present study was 1:1 and 2:1. The initiator promoter combinations taken were Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthanate (CoNp) in one group of sets while Benzoil peroxide (BPO) and N, N-diethyl aniline (NNDA) in other group of sets. For each set, microscopic studies were conducted on neat resin and polymer mortar. The cube compressive strength of PM and PC so produced was found to vary from 15 to 28 MPa and from 20 to 42 MPa, respectively. The tensile strength of polymer concrete was either at par or more than the tensile strength of equivalent grade of cement concrete. The results of different sets have been compared and sets showing better performance have been identified.