Effect of acrylic latex on the properties of cement grouts

Abstract

The main objective of this comprehensive laboratory project was to investigate the potential use of acrylic latex to improve the physical and mechanical properties of thick superplasticised cement grouts. Experiments were conducted using different acrylic latex dosages with cement grouts that were prepared with water/cement ratios of 0·5, 0·4 and 0·33. The results indicated that the addition of acrylic latex of up to 5% significantly increases the 28 and 90 d strength, despite an extension of the setting time. The bleeding and resistance to acid attack of acrylic latex modified grouts were significantly improved. Grouts containing acrylic latex had much a higher viscosity and yield stress than the un-modified grouts. However, acrylic latex reduces the viscosity and yield stress of grouts that were prepared with water to cement ratios of 0·5 and 0·4 when added in small amounts. Based on the experimental results, non-linear regression analysis was performed to correlate the physical and mechanical parameters of the acrylic latex modified grouts and the descriptor variables.