Reinforcement of hydrated portland cement with high molecular mass water-soluble polymers

A small amount of polymer in water solution form (polyvinylpyrolidone or polyvinylalcohol) was added to a mix high silicate cement + amorphous silica, with reduced water to cement ratio. It was shown that as the molecular mass of the polymer is increased, the fracture stress and the stored energy at fracture of the specimens improved. The polymer induces an increase of the critical stress intensity factor (KIc) (crack initiation). The fracture behaviour of the polymer modified cement paste beyond the elastic domain is also affected by PVA or PVP additions. The dissipated energy measured using the crack opening displacement CMOD was increased by a factor of two with 4wt% of PVP and by a factor of three with 3wt% of PVA, as a consequence of operative toughening mechanisms. The increase of mechanical properties is explained in case of PVP by crack interactions due to CSH microstructure modifications, and with PVA by crack bridging mechanisms as a consequence of dispersed polymer rich nodules in the hydrates phase.