Comparative assessment of isophtalic and orthophtalic polyester polymer concrete: Different costs, similar mechanical properties and durability

This study aims to investigate the effect of different concentrations of fly ash on the mechanical properties and durability of polymer concrete compounds prepared with low concentrations of resins. Two different binders were used: orthophtalic and isophtalic polyester. The properties of the resulting materials were studied through compressive strength, flexural strength and chemical attack by acetic acid (CH3COOH), citric acid (C6H8O7), formic acid (CH2O2), lactic acid (C3H6O3), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), a cola soft drink and distilled water (H2O). Sample microstructure after chemical attack was studied using SEM. Results show that both isophtalic and orthophtalic polyester polymer concrete display good mechanical and chemical behavior. It was seen that orthophtalic polyester polymer concrete, when prepared with sand and fly ash, behaves similarly to isophtalic polyester polymer concrete, despite the properties of the isophtalic resin being superior to the orthophtalic variety.