Effect of chemical exposure on mechanical strength of polymer mortar

Abstract

Cement mortar is used as binding materials for bricks and stones and for plastering to get better finishing surface. This plaster not only for decorative purpose but also acts as protective surface for whole structure as it saves for sun, cold, rain and wind. These weathering forces affect the building, deteriorate the structure makes cracks, and propagation of cracks further deteriorate cement concrete, reinforcement etc. Various admixtures, nano materials, polymers, and some industrial waste fly ash, silica fume, rice husk ash etc are used for enhancement of engineering properties of cement concrete. Compressive and tensile strength are generally determined as these correlates the other properties also. In this experimental study polymer mortar is exposed for various aggressive conditions, saline water, acidic water, and alkaline water. Then change in compressive and split tensile strength is determined. Polyvinyl alcohol is used as water soluble polymer.