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Microstructure and pore structure of polymer-cement composite joint sealants
Chuanxin Lou1, Jinyu Xu2,3, Tengjiao Wang2
1Aeronautics Engineering College, Air Force Engineering University, Xi'an, 710038, China. louxin123789@163.com.
Scientific Reports
|January 15, 2021
Summary
This study examined polymer-cement composite joint sealants, finding that material choices and processing significantly refine pore structure. Optimizing these factors reduces total pore volume for improved sealant performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Pavement joint sealants are critical for durability.
- Understanding their microstructure and pore structure is key to performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate microstructure and pore properties of polymer-cement composite joint sealants.
- Analyze effects of material types, ratios, and processing on sealant properties.
- Explore fractal characteristics of pore size distribution.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation.
- Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP).
- Fractal theory application for pore structure analysis.
Main Results:
- Material type, ratio, and processing primarily affect pore structure, not basic microstructure.
- Optimized conditions (e.g., increased ratios, specific additives like latex powder, coupling agents, UV treatment) reduce total pore volume and refine pores.
- Certain additives (talc, carbon fiber) or conditions (wet-dry cycling) alter pore volume or structure differently.
- Pore size distribution exhibits fractal characteristics (fractal dimension 2.6–2.8).
Conclusions:
- Material composition and processing conditions significantly influence the pore structure of polymer-cement composite joint sealants.
- Specific modifications can effectively reduce total pore volume and refine pore networks, enhancing sealant properties.
- Fractal analysis provides a valuable tool for characterizing the complex pore structure of these materials.
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