Latex-modified materials used

Of the several types of the polymer-modified mortars and concretes used for various construction applications, latex-modified mortar and concrete are by far the most widely used materials. Latex-modified mortar and concrete are prepared by mixing a latex, either in a dispersed liquid or as a redispersible powder form with fresh cement mortar and concrete mixtures. The polymers are usually added to the mixing water just as other chemical admixtures, at a dosage of 5-20% by weight of cement. Polymer latexes are stable dispersions of very small (0.05-5 pm in diameter) polymer particles in water and are produced by emulsion polymerization. Natural rubber latex and epoxy latex are exceptions in that the former is tapped from rubber trees and the latter is produced by emulsifying an epoxy resin in water by the use of surfactants [87]. 

Latex-modified mortars and concretes have become promising materials for preventing chloride-induced corrosion and for repairing damaged reinforced concrete structures. In Japan and the USA, latex-modified mortar is widely used as a construction material in bridge deck overlays and patching compounds, and for finishing and repairs [99]. Polymer-cement hydrate-... 

The materials used in latex-modified mortar and concrete are the same as those employed in ordinary cement mortar and concrete. 

The fabrication technique of redispersible polymer powder-modified mortar and concrete is about the same as that for latex-modified mortar and concrete. The materials and mix prc rtions used in this nnodified mortar and concrete are the same as those used in the latex-modified systems except that the addition of the redispersible polymer powders is involved. At present, commercially available redispersible polymer powders as cement modifiers are classified in Fig. 5.2. Table 5.2 gives the properties of typical redispersible polymer powders. The rediqretsible polymer powders are usually free-flowing powders, and have ash contents of 5 to 15%, whidi primarily come from the anti-blockirig aids. When the polymer powders are placed in water under agitation, they redtsperse or re-emulsify easily, and provide the polymer latexes with polymer particle sizes of 1 to 10 pm. 

Y. Ohama, K. Demura, M. Hamatsu and M. Kakegawa Properties of polymer-modified mortars using styrene-butyl acrylate latexes with various monomer ratios. ACI Materials Journal Vol.88, No.l (1991), pp.56-61. 

Polymers. The purpose of adding polymers to the concrete matrix is to improve the characteristics of the fresh concrete (such as workability) and also to enhance the hardened properties such as flexural strength, modulus of elasticity and adhesive performance [8]. The incorporation of polymers into concrete may be in the form of polymer modified concrete (PMC), polymer impregnated concrete (PIC) or as polymer concrete (PC) [9], For this project, the objective was to develop an ultra-lightweight concrete material using Portland cement as the main binder modified with a suitable polymer - thus a PMC application. The polymer modifiers selected for the development of the ultra-lightweight thin filmed material were a commercially available SBR latex as well as a readily available acrylic polymer. 

Pigments and fillers are often, but not always, used in conjunction with acrylic latexes acting as binders (229). The optical properties (e.g., opacity and gloss) and mechanical properties (e.g., strength and modulus) of the system can be modified according to toe type and amount of pigment or filler material used. 

Emulsion Adhesives. The most widely used emulsion-based adhesive is that based upon poly(vinyl acetate)—poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers formed by free-radical polymerization in an emulsion system. Poly(vinyl alcohol) is typically formed by hydrolysis of the poly(vinyl acetate). The properties of the emulsion are derived from the polymer employed in the polymerization as weU as from the system used to emulsify the polymer in water. The emulsion is stabilized by a combination of a surfactant plus a coUoid protection system. The protective coUoids are similar to those used paint (qv) to stabilize latex. For poly(vinyl acetate), the protective coUoids are isolated from natural gums and ceUulosic resins (carboxymethylceUulose or hydroxyethjdceUulose). The hydroHzed polymer may also be used. The physical properties of the poly(vinyl acetate) polymer can be modified by changing the co-monomer used in the polymerization. Any material which is free-radically active and participates in an emulsion polymerization can be employed. Plasticizers (qv), tackifiers, viscosity modifiers, solvents (added to coalesce the emulsion particles), fillers, humectants, and other materials are often added to the adhesive to meet specifications for the intended appHcation. Because the presence of foam in the bond line could decrease performance of the adhesion joint, agents that control the amount of air entrapped in an adhesive bond must be added. Biocides are also necessary many of the materials that are used to stabilize poly(vinyl acetate) emulsions are natural products. Poly(vinyl acetate) adhesives known as "white glue" or "carpenter s glue" are available under a number of different trade names. AppHcations are found mosdy in the area of adhesion to paper and wood (see Vinyl polymers). 

Modifiers. Latices are added to bitumens, mortars, and concrete to improve impact resistance and reduce stress cracking. Key to the use of latices in these technologies is compatibiHty between the latex and the constmction materials. 

For the most part, additives control the appHcation or theological properties of a paint. These additives include materials for latex paints such as hydroxyethylceUulose, hydrophobicaHy modified alkah-soluble emulsions, and hydrophobicaHy modified ethylene oxide urethanes. Solvent-based alkyd paints typically use castor oil derivatives and attapulgite and bentonite clays. The volume soHds of a paint is an equally important physical property affecting the apphcation and theological properties. Without adequate volume soHds, the desired appHcation and theological properties may be impossible to achieve, no matter how much or many additives are incorporated into the paint. 

Cellulose is also commercially modified by acetylation to produce a material suitable for X-ray and cine film. Commercially cellulose ethers are also prepared, such as methylcellulose. This material is water-soluble and gives a highly viscous solution at very low concentrations. Hence it is widely used as a thickener in latex paints and adhesives, in cosmetics and for coating pharmaceutical tablets. 

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