Concrete - polymer composite materials produced by radiation polymerisation techniques

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Date
1974-07
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Publisher
Australian Atomic Energy Commission
Abstract
Exploratory studies have been carried out on the production and properties of concrete-polymer composite materials, made by impregnating precast concrete with monomers and polymerising the monomer in situ with gamma radiation. The composites have much greater compressive and tensile strengths, and higher elastic moduli than the original concrete. The main factor influencing the degree of enhancement of these properties is the total polymer loading in the interstices of the concrete, and the ultimate strength attainable in the composites is largely independent of the type of concrete used to make the composite. With polymethyl methacrylate composites, compressive strengths up to 117 MPa, Brazil tensile strengths up to 8.95 MPa and elastic moduli up to 3.75 x 10 4 MPa were obtained with polymer loadings around 4.7%. Composites made from porous concrete (Besser brick) and polyester resins had compressive strengths around 145 MPa. Because of the inherently low thermal stability of the polymer component, composites for structural purposes would be restricted to applications where they would not be exposed to fire. Uses envisaged for these new types of material include drain piping in corrosive environments, underwater structures, bridge decking and decorative panelling. Polymerisation can be accomplished by thermal means as well as by radiation, and the method of choice for a given application will depend largely on relative costs. Certain types of mineral aggregate are not suitable for concrete which is to be converted to concrete-polymer composites, as their use leads to severe cracking problems. This aspect requires further work.
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Keywords
Composite materials, Concretes, Radiation effects, Polymerization, Elasticity, Impregnation
Citation
McLaren, K. G., & Samarin, A. (1974). Concrete - polymer composite materials produced by radiation polymerisation techniques (AAEC/E320). Lucas Heights, NSW: Australian Atomic Energy Commission Research Establishment.