Characterization of Polyester Polymer and Polymer Concrete

Abstract

The compressive and tensile properties of polyester polymer and polymer concrete were studied under various curing conditions, temperature, and strain rate. The curing temperature was varied from room temperature to 80°C. The strain rate was varied between 0.01% to 60% strain per minute and the temperature between 22°C and 120°C. The optimum curing condition for polymer and polymer concrete are different. The strength, failure strain, modulus, and stress‐strain relationship of polyester polymer and polymer concrete are influenced by the curing method, testing temperature, and strain rate to varying degrees. The influence of test variables on the mechanical properties of polymer and polymer concrete are quantified. Pretreating the aggregates with a silane coupling agent further enhances the compressive and tensile strength of the polymer concrete. The compressive strength of polymer and polymer concrete are related to their compressive modulus and splitting tensile strength. A constitutive model is used to predict the compressive stress‐strain behavior of polymer and polymer concrete.