Modification of cement mortar with recycled ABS

Cement mortar was modified using recycled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) in powder form. Mixtures with polymer-cement ratios of 8, 15, and 25 wt.% were investigated for changes in compressive properties and adhesion to steel rebar. Compressive tests indicated an increase in Young's modulus for samples with 8% and 15% ABS. Adhesion strength to the steel rebar decreased on adding the ABS. However, when the ABS was treated with maleic anhydride, an increase in adhesion strength was obtained. The decrease in adhesion of the untreated ABS-modified cement to steel was attributed to the disruption of the interface between the cement mortar and steel rebar. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated changes in the cured cement with addition of ABS. Gas adsorption measurements of pore size distribution indicated an increase in pore volume of the 8 and 15 wt.%-containing cement mortar. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.