Polymer concrete reinforced with luffa fibers: effect of gamma radiation

The interest of many research groups regarding manufacture of composite materials by using natural fibers is increasing world-wide. The main objectives involve the improvement of mechanical properties, mainly those related to resistance and elasticity. In the present study in a first stage, polymer concrete specimens were elaborated by using an unsaturated polyester resin, silica sand and luffa fibers; after, they were gamma irradiated at different doses and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Two different silica particle sizes (0.15 mm and 0.6 mm), and four different luffa fiber concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 and 1.2 wt%) were used, as well as 50 and 100 kGy of radiation dose. The results show a gradually diminution of compressive strength and modulus of elasticity when adding luffa fiber concentration. Nevertheless, such mechanical features are increasing when polymer concrete is gamma irradiated.Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEM), Grant 3408/2013M (Megaproyecto

Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Polymer Concrete: effect of gamma radiation

Design of polymer concrete involves extensive studies on their materials in order to get improved properties; specifically on the physicochemical properties of both polymer resin and mineral aggregates, including size and shape of the last one. Alternative studies are focusing on using different materials or methods to obtain such improvements. In this work, polymer concrete was elaborated with unsaturated polyester resin, marble particles and polypropylene fibres, after it was modified by using gamma radiation to achieve a complete polymerization. The results show improvements in the compressive strength and in the modulus of elasticity with 0.2 vol.% of polypropylene fibres and irradiation at a dose of 250 KGy. However, lower compressive strains were obtained when using gamma radiation

Civil engineering applications of polymer composites

Researches have been done in order to improve performance of concrete and structures. As we know, polymers provide huge opportunities for the advancement of materials research, the improvement of material property, and the strengthening of structures damaged. In this respect, recent developments about polymer composites and their technological developments in civil engineering are aimed in this issue