Utilization of overcured natural rubber latex compound in modified concrete manufacturing

Abstract

Overcured natural rubber latex compound has always become a waste and should be discarded, which is a problem to the environment. Thus, the latex compound waste is used as an alternative material in modifying concrete product. Latex waste is mixed with other materials, such as cement, fine aggregate, hard aggregate, and water. Series of modified concrete is made with variation of the composition of latex waste by 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the weight of the cement used. The concrete mixture is then poured into a cylindrical mold with dimensions of 15x30 cm (in accordance with ASTM C39 standards) and cured for period of 28 days. The products of modified concrete have been tested with according standards and the results show that the addition of overcured natural rubber latex compound can reduce the concrete density, reduce its absorption ability and increase the mechanical strength of concrete.