Experimental investigations on polymer-modified concrete subjected to elevated temperatures

This paper presents the effect of elevated temperature and duration of exposures on polymer-modified concrete (PMC). Styrene Butadiene Rubber latex polymer solids were added in terms of 0, 5, 10 and 20 % by mass of cement. Curing of PMC specimen was done by the combination of wet and dry conditions. At appropriate ages, specimens were exposed to 200–800 °C for 1–3 h. The residual compressive strength was tested at 7 and 28 days. Micro structural properties were studied by XRD and SEM analysis. It was found that PMC and conventional concrete can be exposed to 400 °C for 3 h exposure without any adverse effect on strength properties. Addition of 20 % polymer was detrimental to concrete subjected to elevated temperature. Duration of exposure does not have much influence on the residual compressive strength properties of conventional concrete and PMC specimens.