doi:10.3850/978-981-08-9247-0_rp039-icsas11

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the absorption behavior of polymer composite cement system that is in direct relation to concrete sustainability. Polymer additive namely Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) with different percentages of addition was used as a composite of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) mortar with water to cement ratio (w/c) ranging from 0.3 to 0.5. All dried cured mixes were tested for their water absorption capability and compressive strength at day 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after demoulding. Results of these tests for the polymer composite mortar specimens were then compared with OPC mortar specimens. The typical characteristic of water absorption for all specimens was inversely proportional to the days after demoulding.Results showed that specimens with water w/c of 0.3 absorbed the least water. It also showed that SBR cement composite specimens absorbed least water hence exhibit waterproof quality. Further analysis showed that specimens with 3% SBR cement composite specimens absorbed the least water in comparison to 1%, 5% SBR modified specimens and OPC mortar specimens. It can be concluded based on this particular study, the addition of 3% SBR can reduce water absorption of OPC mortar with 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5w/c with validation from the trend of the strength development as they matured.

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