Efficacy of expanded polystyrene as fine aggregate in cement mortars modified with latex paint as an alternative to polymer admixture

Y In this present study, the effectiveness of expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste used as 20, 40 and 60% fine sand replacement in development of lightweight cement composite was evaluated. The cement mortar was strengthened by 10% low cost latex paint emulsion as an alternative to the more expensive polymer admixtures. Six different mix designs were produced and tested for compressive and split tensile strength according to BS EN standards. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was also conducted to analysis the micrograph of the samples. It was observed that as the EPS content, latex paint polymer admixture and curing days were increased, marginal increment in compressive strength was obtained. However, EPS fines were most effective in improving the split strength while latex paint admixture had comparatively less part to play in the strength development. The micrograph images showed that the EPS fines were uniformly distributed within the microstructure and the latex paint developed polymer films. These mechanisms coupled with the cement hydrate products were responsible for the enhanced strength observed in the samples.