Void-binder ratio

Regardless of polymer type, the compressive strength (ac) of latex-modified concrete can be predicted at polymer-cement ratios of 5, 10,15and 20% by using the binder-void ratio (a) as follows ... 

The polymer-cement ratio (P/C) to give the required secondary properties is determined on the basis of information shown in catalogs and technical data by the manufacturers of polymer latexes for cement modifiers. Simultaneously, the binder-void ratio (a) to satisfy the required oc and P/C is determined by using an equation for compressive strength prediction. 

For the purpose of developing the equations for the compressive strength prediction for latex-modified mortars and concretes, all-inclusive consideration of various factors such as polymer-cement ratio, water-cement ratio, and air content is required. Expanding Talbot s void theoryP on ordinary cement mortar and concrete, OhamaP P l defined binder-void ratio (a) or void-binder ratio (P), and empirically proposed the equations using a and p to predict the compressive strength of the latex-modified mortars and concretes as follows ... 

Figure 4.21 Relation between binder-void ratio and compressive strength of latex-modified concretes.

Proposal of Ohama s void-binder ratio mle (law) in the compressive strength prediction for polymer-modified mortar and concrete by using void-binder ratio or binder-void ratio [18, 19]... 

For rayon fiber based eomposites (Seetions 3 and 4) the fiber and powdered resins were mixed in a water slurry in approximately equal parts by mass. The isotropie piteh earbon fiber eomposites (Seetion 5) were manufaetured with less binder, typically a 4 1 mass ratio of fiber to binder being utilized. The slurry was transferred to a molding tank and the water drawn through a porous sereen under vacuum. In previous studies [2] it was established that a head of water must be maintained over the mold screen in order to prevent the formation of large voids, and thus to assure uniform properties. The fabrieation proeess allows the manufaeture of slab or tubular forms. In the latter case, the cylinders were molded over a perforated tubular mandrel covered with a fine mesh or screen. Moreover, it is possible to mold eontoured plates, and tubes, to near net shape via this synthesis route. 

An important consideration is the effect of filler and its degree of interaction with the polymer matrix. Under strain, a weak bond at the binder-filler interface often leads to dewetting of the binder from the solid particles to formation of voids and deterioration of mechanical properties. The primary objective is, therefore, to enhance the particle-matrix interaction or increase debond fracture energy. A most desirable property is a narrow gap between the maximum (e ) and ultimate elongation ch) on the stress-strain curve. The ratio, e , eh, may be considered as the interface efficiency, a ratio of unity implying perfect efficiency at the interfacial Junction. 

Under increasing strain the propint volume increases from the voids created around the unbonded solid particles. Nonlinearities in Young s modulus and Poisson s ratio then occur. Francis (Ref 50) shows this effect for a carboxy-terminated polybutadiene composite propellant with 14% binder as in Figure 12. He concludes that nonlinearities in low-temperature properties reduce the predicted stress and strain values upon cooling a solid motor, and therefore a structural analysis that neglects these effects will be conservative. However, when the predictions are extended to a pressurized fiberglas motor case, the nonlinearities in properties produce greater strains than those predicted with linear analysis... 

The optimum or minimum allowable substitution ratio is then established by means of a series of justification tests at different binder contents. Figure 15 shows a comparison between the Marshall design properties of a conventional mixture using an asphalt binder and a 30 70 SEA binder. As indicated the optimum substitution ratio based on the maximum stability and equivalent air voids is about 1.7 1. Since minimizing the substitution ratio has a direct impact on the economic benefits to be realized by replacing the asphalt with sulfur these justification tests are to be recommended in all mix designs. 

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