Multiscale Analysis of Styrene–Butadiene Latex Modified Rubber Concrete
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Rubberized concrete is a novel green building material that enhances many features when rubber particles are incorporated into cement mortar, simultaneously yielding economic benefits through the recycling of waste tires. This study applies styrene–butadiene latex (SBL) for toughening treatment. The investigation delves into the mechanism by which SBL improves the interface between rubber and cement, encompassing macroscopic mechanical properties, microscopic structural characteristics, and nano-scale interfacial interactions. Macroscopic mechanical tests reveal a significant increase in flexural strength, shear strength, and compressive strength of the composite concrete upon the introduction of SBL and rubber. Specifically, the compressive strength improved by 8.8%, shear strength by 13.7%, and flexural strength by 18.9% at 28 days. Through electron microscopy observation of corresponding polymer cement concrete sections, observations reveal that SBL reinforces both interfaces and elucidates its bonding impact at the micro-level interface. Molecular dynamics (MD) modeling of SBL/rubber/CSH is employed at the nanoscale to compute and examine the local structure, dynamic behavior, and binding energy of the interface. The findings indicate that SBL mitigates interface impacts, enhances interface hydrogen bonds, van der Waals interactions, Ca−H coordination bonds, and stability, consequently improving interfacial adhesion and fortifying the feeble interface bonding between organic polymers (rubber) and inorganic silicates (CSH).
Source: Buildings
Authors: Weiming Wang, Yong Feng, Jingjie Feng
Institutions: Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou University
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Award: G242113036
OpenAlex ID: W4415646999