Durability of epoxy polymer and ordinary cement concrete in aggressive environments

摘要

Polymer concrete is well-known for quick repairing of concrete structures and pavement. However, there are relatively few studies on the durability of epoxy polymer concrete (EPC). This study aims to investigate the long-term environmental effects on the mechanical properties of EPC. Therefore, EPC and ordinary cement concrete (OCC) specimens were prepared and exposed to four chemical solutions with pH values of 2.5, 7, 12.5 and artificial seawater in intervals of 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Epoxy resin (10 and 12% by weight) and Portland cement were used as binder phase in EPC and OCC specimens, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was additionally applied to investigate the changes in the microstructure of specimens over a year of exposure. According to the results, the acidic solution was the most destructive environment for cement and polymer concrete which significantly decreased the compressive strength of OCC and low epoxy resin content EPC by 38.7% and 40.1%, respectively. The alkaline solution had almost the same effect as the acidic solution on OCC specimens. However, EPC performed relatively well under alkaline condition after one year of exposure. Freshwater and seawater solutions also decreased the strength of EPC. However, freshwater improved the strength of OCC specimens by 18.26% after twelve months. The seawater improved the strength of OCC up to the first six months and then the strength of OCC specimens decreased. EPC with the high content of epoxy resin had the lowest strength reduction and appropriate performance and durability in each solution among the other specimens. Further, the Taguchi method and ANOVA were used to determine the contribution of each factor based on the compressive and the splitting tensile strengths under varying concrete type, pH of solution and exposure time. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.