Experimental Study on the Effect of Basalt Fiber and Sodium Alginate in Polymer Concrete Exposed to Elevated Temperature

Polymer concrete contains aggregates and a polymeric binder such as epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, or normal epoxy mixture. Since polymer binders in polymer concrete are made of organic materials, they have a very low heat and fire resistance compared to minerals. This paper investigates the effect of basalt fibers (BF) and alginate on the compressive strength of polymer concrete. An extensive literature review was completed, then two experimental phases including the preliminary phase to set the appropriate mix design, and the main phase to investigate the compressive strength of samples after exposure to elevated temperatures of 100 degrees C, 150 degrees C, and 180 degrees C were conducted. The addition of BF and/or alginate decreases concrete compressive strength under room temperature, but the addition of BF and alginate each alone leads to compressive strength increase during exposure to heat and increase in the temperature to 180 degrees C showed almost positive on the compressive strength. The addition of BF and alginate both together increases the rate of strength growth of polymer concrete under heat from 100 degrees C to 180 degrees C. In conclusion, BF and alginate decrease the compressive strength of polymer concretes under room temperature, but they improve the resistance against raised temperatures.

Automated summary

The study shows that the addition of basalt fibers and alginate can improve the compressive strength of polymer concrete under high temperatures, with the best effect observed at 180 degrees Celsius.