A full factorial-based desirability function approach to investigate optimal mixture ratio of polymer concrete

Abstract

Polymers in concrete are preferred because they provide thermal insulation in terms of providing energy saving and water resistance and also they reduce the compressive strength of the concrete. Reaching the desired level of heat insulation on an acceptable level of compressive strength has been achieved by the multiresponse optimization methods. In this study, thermal, workability, and mechanical properties of polymer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, and polybutylene terephthalate mixed concrete, were analyzed and optimized with the use of full factorial design-based desirability function approach via Minitab® version 15. The results show that polycarbonate is the most attractive polymer to produce polymer concrete, which includes low thermal conductivity. The results also show that thermoplastic polyurethane has positively effect on 28-day splitting tensile strength. In contrast, thermoplastic polyurethane and polycarbonate have a significant effect in reducing the percentage of water absorption. These materials could be used in application, which requires water resistance. It was concluded that experimental designs, which take into account of interaction effects, such as full factorial design, should be used to determine on the optimal mixture parameters of polymer concrete. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3199–3211, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers.