Mechanical Characterization of Low Modulus Polymer-Modified Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H) Binder
Calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) represents a key microstructural phase that governs the mechanical properties of concrete at a large scale. Defects in the C-S-H phase are also responsible for the poor ductility and low tensile strength of concrete. Manipulating the microstructure of C-S-H can lead to new cementitious materials with improved structural performance. This paper presents an experimental investigation aiming to characterize a new synthetic polymer-modified synthetic calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) binder. The new C-S-H/SBR binder is produced by calcining calcium carbonate and mixing this with fumed silica (SiO 2 ), deionized water and SBR. Mechanical, physical, chemical and microstructural characterization was conducted to measure the properties of new hardened C-S-H binder. Results from the experimental investigation demonstrate the ability to engineer a new C-S-H binder with low elastic modulus and improved toughness and bond strength by controlling the SBR content and method of C-S-H synthesis. The new binder suggests the possible development of a new family of low-modulus silica-polymer binders that might fit many engineering applications such as cementing oil and gas wells.