Studying physico-mechanical properties of cement pastes in presences of blend polymer as chemical admixtures

Abstract

<p>Physico-mechanical properties of cement pastes were studied by setting time, combined water, compressive strength, SEM as well as porosity in presence of blend polymers. Blend polymers were used based on polyvinyl alcohol and carbamide with blend ratios 20/80, 40/60 and 80/20 respectively. The addition of blend polymers to cement pastes affected the physico-mechanical properties of cement pastes. As the content of carbamide in the polymer blends decreased, the water of consistency decreased, whereas the setting times (initial &amp; final) were elongated. The combined water content and compressive strength of the hardened cement pastes were increased at all ages of hydration. The SEM images showed that the addition of these polymers to cement material improves the dispensability and workability of cement pastes.</p>