Evaluation of effectiveness of methyl methacrylate as retarder additive in polymer concrete

It is a known fact that most thermoset resins are very sensitive to hot temperature, which hinders its ability to produce polymer-based products in a large scale. This study aims to investigate the potential of manufacturing polymer concrete in ambient room temperature of 30 ± 2 °C. A laboratory test was conducted with the introduction of polyester retarder additive into polyester resin formulation. All tests were carried out strictly in ambient room temperature (30 ± 2 °C). For comparison purpose, polyester resin without retarder additive was prepared as the control formulation under identical condition. Visual inspection was done on the fresh working life of polyester resin with 0%, 0.1%, 0.15%, and 0.2% of retarder additive in two different types of polyester resin-isophthalic and orthophthalic. Characterization on retarder additive was conducted under X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and, 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Investigation on the effects of polymer retarder additive on the physical and mechanical properties of polymer resin, polymer blended, and polymer concrete showed that the retarder additive had prolonged the working life and improved properties of polymer concrete. These proved the potential of adding retarder additive in polymer concrete in ambient room temperature of 30 ± 2 °C.