Strengthening lightweight concrete

Polymer absorption by lightweight concretes to improve bonding between cement and aggregate and to increase strength of cement is discussed. Compressive strength of treated cement is compared with strength of untreated product. Process for producing polymers is described

Fracture energy and strength of polymer impregnated cement

The fracture energy, or effective surface energy of hardened cement paste and polymer-impregnated hardened cement paste, was measured by an analytical method. The fracture energy of polymer impregnated hardened cement paste is considerably higher than the unimpregnated paste (7.5 x 10/sup 4/ to 0.91 x 10/sup 4/ ergs/ cm/sup 2/). The increase appears to be entirely due to the polymer contribution. The results predict a factor of 5 improvement in the fracture strength of hardened cement paste upon polymer impregnation. (auth