Flexural Behavior of Polyester Polymer Concrete Subjected to Different Chemicals

Polymer concrete (PC) is a composite material prepared by resin and aggregates. Advantages of polymer concretes include rapid curing, high flexural and compressive strengths, suitable chemical resistance and low permeability. In this research, a comparative study was performed on degradation of polyester resin concrete in different chemical solutions. Polymer concrete specimens were examined for flexural strength and flexural toughness after two and four months of exposure to the chemicals (i.e. sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfate, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, demineralized water, potable water, potassium hydroxide, gas oil). Results showed that the highest decrease in flexural strength occurred in sodium hydroxide solution after two months of exposure. Comparing acid attack to the specimens it was found that citric acid as an organic acid, despite of higher pH, had the highest impact on flexural strength. The flexural strength of PC specimens decreased considerablly in all chemicals (except in gas oil). There was not significant difference between two and four months of exposuring, therefore, the main degrading processes start during the first 60 days of exposuring.