Polymer-impregnated Portland cement mortars

Abstract

Cured precast portland cement mortars were impregnated with the monomer‐initiator mixture (mmA or styrene or both and AIBN or benzoyl peroxide), polymerized, and cured and the change in compressive strength, and, in some cases, the change in tensile strength were studied. The effect of impregnation on the compressive strength and environmental stress (freezing and thawing, acid resistance, weathering effect, and sea water resistance) were studied. It was found that the incorporation of polymer into the pores of the already‐set cement increased the compressive strength even after freezing and thawing, acid resistance, and sea water resistance and weathering. Among the monomers used. mmA was found to give the best properties to the mortar. Fly ash, when added in small amounts, increased the compressive strength. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.