The mechanical and blast resistance properties of polyvinyl chloride/calcium carbonate (PVC/CaCO3) nanocomposites

Abstract

This paper discusses the advantages of the use of a novel construction nanocomposite material such as polyvinyl chloride/calcium carbonate (PVC/CaCO3) used for the structural retrofit of building structures. The research herein compares its mechanical (tension and flexure) and blast resistance properties to typical cementitious composites and polymer composites commonly used in the industry. Typical cementitious composites include high performance fiber reinforced concrete (HPFRC) while polymer composites include fiber reinforced polymers (FRP). This material is produced by mixing powdered recyclable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic resins with calcium carbonate fillers. It is thermo-formable, recyclable, fire/water proof resistant, durable and maintenance free. It is easier to handle than other composites and has no major construction-related shortcomings. The material tensile strengths ranging between 27 MPa and 14 MPa are lower than that of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) and close to that of cementitious composites while the tensile rupture strains between 0.01 and 0.02 are higher than other composites. Its flexural strength reached values up to 100 MPa which is close to that of FRP and higher than cementitious composites. Expected damages due to blast are lower than other composites due to its high flexural stresses and flexural modulus with low fundamental frequencies at 3.76 Hz. Thus this material might have great potential in structural repair, retrofit, and new construction that requires ductility and ease of applicability in the field.