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Ultra-Fast Preparation of High-Strength Polymer Concrete via Frontal Polymerization at Room Temperature
Jiongfeng Sun1, Rui Wang1, Guangjie Xue1
1School of Civil Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, China.
Small Methods
|April 24, 2024
Summary
UV-initiated frontal polymerization enables rapid, room-temperature curing of high-strength polymer concrete. This innovative method enhances mechanical properties for applications like disaster relief and 3D printing concrete.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
Background:
- Rapid curing concrete is essential for applications like crack repair, disaster rescue, and 3D printing.
- Traditional concrete curing methods can be time-consuming and energy-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and investigate a novel UV-initiated frontal polymerization (FP) strategy for fast preparation of high-strength polymer concrete at room temperature.
- To enhance mechanical properties and heat conduction while reducing chemical adhesive usage in polymer concrete.
Main Methods:
- UV-initiated frontal polymerization (FP) for rapid fabrication.
- Incorporation of coarse aggregates and short carbon fibers (CF).
- Characterization using SEM, DSC, MIP, Ultra depth of field microscope, Rheometer, and finite element method (FEM) for temperature field analysis.
Main Results:
- Polymer concrete with 1.0 wt% 1 mm CF and 50 vol% quartz sand achieved compressive strength >70 MPa and flexural strength >20 MPa.
- Average self-propagation velocity of the FP process reached 58 mm/min.
- FEM analysis provided insights into the internal temperature field during FP.
Conclusions:
- UV-initiated FP is a viable and efficient method for rapid, room-temperature synthesis of high-performance polymer concrete.
- The addition of CF and aggregates significantly improves mechanical strength and thermal conductivity.
- This approach offers a promising solution for rapid construction, emergency repairs, and 3D printing concrete applications.
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