Influence of the cure procedure on the properties of Polymer-Modified Cement Mortars (PMCM)

To study the influence of the curing procedure polymer-modified cement mortars (PMCM) were realized in two stages. In stage 1, PMCM with different percentages of PVA (5, 10, and 15%) were produced considering two times of PVA addition in the mix (3 and 6 minutes) evaluating the fresh and the hardened state. Stage 2, focuses on analyses of different cure procedures: dry, wet, and two types of intermittent cure (dry/wet and wet/dry) by compressive, tensile strength, water absorption, and dynamic modulus of elasticity. In stage 1, the mixtures produced with 10 and 15% of PVA were selected for their results. Regarding the time of addition of the PVA to the mix, the results obtained do not show significant differences when the samples were produced with the two times. Then the addition time of 3 minutes is considered optimal, for manufacturing efficiency. In stage 2, the results show that the cure influences the performance of the PMCM, wherein the M1 cure showed the best results in the mechanical properties (justified by the correct hydration of the cement). In general, the incorporation of polymer reduced the absorption of water and the dynamic modulus of elasticity, thus contributing to producing more durable materials.