Fracture assessment of polymer concrete in chemical degradation solutions

There are several obstacles to using polymer matrix composites in infrastructure applications due to matrix susceptibility to degradation by moisture, temperature and chemical environments. In this research work the fracture properties of epoxy polymer concrete exposed to different degradation agents was assessed. The experimental program was performed submitting specimens to seven solutions varying pH from 1.2 to 12.8. The fracture results were analyzed by fracture toughness, KIc, and fracture energy, Gf. Also, the modulus of elasticity, E, was computed. High decrease in the fracture properties, as well in the modulus of elasticity of the samples exposed to corrosive agents was observed. However, even in those samples, the remaining strength values were far higher than those found in mortars prepared with Portland cement concrete and an inorganic binder.