Studies on gamma-radiation induced polymer impregnated lightweight Concrete

Polymer lightweight concrete have been prepared by impregnating the lightweight concrete samples with acrylonitrile and divinyl benzene monomers and followed by the polymerization of the monomer mixtures in situ with application of gamma-radiation. The new composite materials were investigated for their polymer loading percent, compressive strength, total porosity and water absorption. The results indicate that the polymer loading and compressive strength increase with the increasing of divinyl benzene content in the mixture and gamma-radiation exposure dose whereas, the water absorption and total porosity values are reduced. This may be due to the interaction between the polymer and hydrated products of lightweight concrete. In addition, the interaction of polymer with hydrated products is also discussed from the results Ir absorption analysis