Strength, permeability, and durability of hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete containing styrene butadiene latex

Hybrid fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC) is examined in this study. Two types of synthetic fibers were considered: polyvinyl alcohol fiber/macro synthetic fiber (PVA/MSF) and polypropylene fiber (PP)/MSF. Styrene butadiene latex was added at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of the cement weight. Tests carried out for the study included compressive strength, flexural strength, chloride ion penetration, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance. The results demonstrated that higher latex contents improved the dispersibility of the fibers because of the increased workability of the HFRC and the improved adhesion. Formation of a latex film improved the strength, permeability resistance, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance. PVA/MSF HFRC had better properties than PP/MSF HFRC. This was attributed to stronger hydrogen bonding by the hydrophilic PVA fibers, which led to superior resistance to micro-cracking and crack propagation. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013