Waste solution of acrylic-based emulsion with low solid content for cement concrete curing: A lab-scale study

In this study, we investigate using acrylic and acrylic-styrene emulsions as curing solution to enhance water resistance and prevent cracking in cement concrete surfaces. Our main objective is to investigate the possibilities of utilizing washing waste generated during the Rhomn & Haas factory - Dow Chemical Vietnam production process. This waste is currently being treated as solid even though it contains anywhere from 10 – 45 % solid content. Through laboratory-scale experiments and analysis, we aim to assess the feasibility of employing this waste material as a cost-effective, technically sound, and environmentally sustainable solution for curing compound of concrete.
Nội dung trích xuất từ tài liệu:
Waste solution of acrylic-based emulsion with low solid content for cement concrete curing: A lab-scale studyVietnam Journal of Science and Technology 62 (2024)doi:10.15625/2525-2518/18543Waste solution of acrylic-based emulsion with low solidcontent for cement concrete curing: a lab-scale study Tran Anh Tu1, 2, Nguyen Minh Khang1, 2, Le Minh Son1, 2, Nguyen Ngoc Tri Huynh1, 2, Nguyen Khanh Son1, 2, *1 Faculty of Materials Technology, Ho Chi Minh city University of Technology (HMCUT), VNU HCMC, 268 Ly Thuong Kiet, District 10, Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam2 Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh city (VNU HCM), Linh Trung ward, Thu Duc city, Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam * Email: ksnguyen@hcmut.edu.vn Received: 18 July 2023; Accepted for publication: 8 July 2024Abstract. In this study, we investigate using acrylic and acrylic-styrene emulsions as curingsolution to enhance water resistance and prevent cracking in cement concrete surfaces. Our mainobjective is to investigate the possibilities of utilizing washing waste generated during theRhomn & Haas factory - Dow Chemical Vietnam production process. This waste is currentlybeing treated as solid even though it contains anywhere from 10 – 45 % solid content. Throughlaboratory-scale experiments and analysis, we aim to assess the feasibility of employing thiswaste material as a cost-effective, technically sound, and environmentally sustainable solutionfor curing compound of concrete. The findings of this research have the potential to contribute tothe advancement of eco-friendly waste management techniques while improving the durabilityand effectiveness of cement structures.Keywords: acrylic-based emulsion, solid waste, concrete curing, shrinkage crack, durability.Classification numbers: 2.5.3, 2.9.3, 3.3.2. 1. INTRODUCTION Moisture curing is crucial for cement concrete materials as it promotes proper hydrationand strengthens the material over time. Under normal temperature conditions, cement concretemust be cured for a period of at least 28 days to achieve its final strength development. Inaddition, in hot weather conditions, it is essential to adequately cure the concrete to preventmacroscopic surface cracking and microscale damage to the microstructure, which cansignificantly affect the concretes mechanical strength and lead to long-term indirect effects onits durability, such as cavitation, corrosion, and reduced service life of concrete structures. While voids and cracks are typical occurrences in cement concrete materials due to theintricate nature of the cement hardening process, completely mitigating the effects of shrinkageduring concrete curing can be a formidable challenge. Various factors, including the evaporationof free water, crystallization reactions, and creep load, can all contribute to shrinkage. Moreover, Nguyen Khanh Son, et al.plastic settlement and shrinkage cracking are prevalent issues during the curing process for alltypes of concrete. Research findings have indicated that in conditions characterized by hotweather, low humidity, and high winds, approximately 80% of the cracks in concrete elementsduring the early stages of curing can be attributed to the rapid evaporation of free water from theconcrete surface [1]. These cracks typically manifest as short diagonal or scattered cracks, asillustrated in Figure 1. Figure 1. Common types of cracks in cement-concrete structures and their causes. (Plastic settlement: 4, 5, 6, 13; Plastic shrinkage: 1, 2, 3; Early thermal contraction: 11, 12; Long-term drying shrinkage: 8; Crazing: 9, 10; Cracks due to overloading: 14) [2]. There are various methods to minimize cracking caused by plastic shrinkages, such asappropriate curing measures during the hardening process or incorporating fibers (such as steelor polypropylene) into the concrete mix to increase tensile strength and prevent crack formation.Applying thin coating materials to the concrete surface can also help prevent free waterevaporation and the formation of cracks. The use of curing solutions that form stretchable filmsfor surface coating is becoming increasingly common on concrete construction sites. One suchsolution is acrylic resin, formed by polymerizing acrylate monomers and emulsified bysurfactant stabilizers, then dispersed and suspended in water as a continuous phase. In term offilm forming mechanism, due to its high molecular weight, the coating film is formed on thesurface by a physical mechanism through the gradual evaporation of the aqueous solvent. Thisprocess occur ...