Characterization and study of physicochemical of polyacrylate-cement-derived composite

Abstract

A lateral study was conducted to investigate the effect of long-carbon chain polyacrylate latex on the properties of cement paste. Polyacrylate latex was synthesized via the emulsion polymerization technique. The polymer phase improves the hardness of brittle cement and provides stability due to the interactions between cement components and polymers. In this study, polymer latex [Methyl methacrylate (MMA), Stearyl acrylate (SA), Ethyl acrylate (EA)] was incorporated in cement paste with different weight proportions. Six samples of 50 mm × 50 mm × 150 mm size were prepared for testing. A hydration reaction was carried out to understand the interactions of polymer latex with cement paste. Subsequently, all samples were characterized and analyzed through Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), a compact pH meter, and morphology study via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The FTIR measurements confirmed polymer interaction with cement through changing intensity of -OH, C=O, and -COO^- peaks. The XPS investigation revealed a binding energy peak at 345.0 eV, confirming calcium formate formation. Results indicate that a cross-linked network structure is generated with Ca²⁺ as a cross-linker, enhancing the toughness of the polymer-cement composite. The improved composite properties, including reduced porosity, enhanced mechanical strength, and thermal stability, make it suitable for applications in construction materials such as bridges, dams, sewage systems, and infrastructure requiring durability and environmental resistance. This study highlights the potential of long-carbon chain polyacrylate latex to significantly enhance cement-based materials' performance.

Graphical Abstract