Dynamic compressive mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer concrete with different polymer-cement ratios at high strain rates

This study experimentally examined the effect of redispersible polymer emulsion powder on dynamic compressive properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer concrete (CFRPC). Impact experiments of CFRPC cylindrical specimens (100 mm diameter, 50 mm height) with 0.2% carbon fiber (volume ratio of carbon fiber to concrete) to 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% polymer-cement ratios (mass ratios) were done using a Phi 100 mm Split Hopkinson pressure bar. The effects of emulsion powder on CFRPC were analyzed in terms of the dynamic compressive strength, deformation and toughness of the specimens. We find that at the same strain rate, the dynamic compressive strength of CFRPC initially increases and then falls with increasing polymer content. The dynamic compressive strength of the sample is highest when the polymer-cement ratio is 4%, and reaches up to 21.47-26.58%. The compressive strength and peak strain of CFRPC have obvious strain rate sensitivity. An appropriate amount of polymer can effectively improve the dynamic compression performance of CFRPC. Sample fragmentation and porosity analyses show that increasing the polymer-cement ratio reduces the number of pores in the concrete matrix, attaining a more optimal pore distribution and improved compactness. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.