Effect of Polymer Addition on Performance of Portland Cement Mortar Exposed to Sulphate Attack

Abstract

Resistance to degradation contributes greatly to the durability of materials. The chemical resistance of polymer-cement composites is not yet fully recognized. The goal of the research presented in this paper was to assess the performance of polymer-cement mortars under sulphate aggression, as compared to unmodified cement mortar. Mortars with polymer-to-cement ratios from 0 to 0.20 were stored in either a 5% MgSO4 solution or distilled water for 42 months. During this time, changes in elongation, mass, and compressive strength were determined. The results of these investigations, together with the visual and microscopic observations, allowed us to conclude that polymer–cement composites demonstrated better resistance to the attack of sulphate ions than unmodified cement mortar, even when using Portland cement with enhanced sulphate resistance.