Electrokinetic polymerization of polymethyl methacrylate in hardened cement paste

Author(s): Henry Cardenas Nayeem Nasser, Xi Xie
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the International RILEM Conference on Materials, Systems and Structures in Civil Engineering Conference segment on Electrochemistry in Civil Engineering
Editor(s): Lisbeth M. Ottosen
ISBN: 978-2-35158-176-6
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-177-3
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 164
Total Pages: 1
Language : English

Abstract: This study investigated the electrosynthesis of polymethyl methacrylate within the porous network of hardened cement paste (HCP). Anticipated benefits included the enhancement of tensile strength and the reduction of porosity. Methyl methacrylate, being slightly watersoluble, also exhibited the tendency to carry a slightly negative charge. It was driven toward titanium wire anodes embedded within cylindrical specimens of HCP. The tensile strength of the treated specimens was increased 60%. Raman Spectroscopy conducted on solid residuals obtained from extracted pore fluid indicated the presence polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) that had formed within the pores. It was estimated that the electrosynthesized PMMA appeared to exhibit a significantly higher tensile strength than typically observed for bulk PMMA. Interestingly, the porosity of the HCP was not significantly altered. These observations guided the discussion of a possible mechanism of polymerization that would be expected to exhibit a relatively low yield of polymer that is forming primarily along the positively charged walls ofthe capillary pores within HCP.

Online publication : 2016
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00