Prediction models of mechanical properties for pet-mortar composite in sodium sulphateaggressive mediums

Abstract

In this research, an investigation was carried out on the effect of sodium sulphate attack on the durability of composites produced with waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Experiments were accomplished on limestone sand and cement mortars where the blended Portland cement was partially replaced by various volume fractions of waste PET particles (6%, 12% and 17%). The test solutions used to supply the sulphate ions and cations were 5%sodium sulphate solution. Compressive strengths measured on specimens were used to assess the changes in the mechanical properties of PET-mortars exposed to sulphate attack at different ages, mainly the Young modulus of elasticity. Based on experimental compressive tests on PETMortar composite specimens and there densities, the evolution of Young modulus of elasticity has been analyzed in accordance with normative models given by (ACI-318) and (BS-8110) codes of practice. In addition, a comparative study has been carried out for corrosion resistance coefficients K of unmodified mortar to those modified with waste PET particles. It can be noticed that, for the composite immersed in a corrosive Na2SO4 solution, the corrosion resistance coefficients decrease with the increase of the immersion period. The corrosion sulphate resistance K based on Young modulus before and after immersion of PET-mortar composites is better than that of the control mortar. Therefore, for safety considerations of PET-mortar composites use, ACI 318 is recommended code for design and investigation works. Also, it can be concluded that adding waste PET by volume fractions (6%, 12% and 17%) to blend Portland cement renders this cement more resistant to the sodium sulphate aggressive medium. Therefore, composites materials based waste PET aare often presented as the materials of the future because of their potential for innovation and the advantages they offer. In fact, using waste PET as cement substitutes reduces the energy consumption. These modified mortars address problems related to environmental pollution by CO2 emissions, and are used to repair various reinforced concrete structures in sodium sulphate aggressive mediums.