Polymer Impregnation of Concrete by Methyl Methacrylate and its Effects on Mechanical Properties and Corrosion of Steel in Concrete

Abstract

Freezing and thawing resulting from the ingression of water into concrete causes cracking or spalling. Corrosive ions such as chloride or sulfate penetrate the concrete surface and eventually reach the reinforcing steel. This causes the steel to corrode. Because of the high maintenance and replacement costs, responsible officials should be increasingly concerned about the growing number of prematurely deteriorated concrete structures. One of the practical methods for reducing the high cost of repair is partial impregnation of concrete by polymers. In this paper, partial impregnation of concrete by methyl methacrylate for protection against deterioration of concrete is evaluated. Parameters such as the monomer system, drying time, drying temperature, soaking time, curing time and temperature are evaluated. All these parameters affect the economics of polymer impregnation of concrete. The results of this study show that corrosion of steel in the polymer impregnated concrete is lower than non- impregnated concrete. In addition, the mechanical properties of polymer impregnated concrete in comparison to concrete without polymer are improved.