Mechanical and Physical Properties of Sulfur Polymer Concrete

Sulfur polymer concrete (SPC) is a construction material composed of melted modified sulfur cement (MSC) and fine and coarse aggregates. This research investigated the effects of the quantity of MSC and curing time on the mechanical and physical properties of SPC. Samples were prepared using five levels of MSC and four curing times. The MSC used contained olefin hydrocarbon polymeric additive and the aggregates were those commonly used for conventional concrete. The mechanical and physical properties of the samples (compressive strength, yield point and Young's modulus, unit weight, voids in the aggregate and concrete air content) were determined. The results showed that increasing in the amount of MSC up to a specific threshold value (depending on aggregate gradation) improved the mechanical properties of samples. Beyond the threshold point, a decreasing trend was observed. The SPC in the present study gained an average of 70% of its 28-day compressive strength by three days from concrete placement. The greatest 28-day compressive strength was achieved using the densest aggregate gradation, a sufficient amount of MSC to fill voids in the aggregate and the maximum unit weight of SPC.