Study of properties of polyethylene and cement mixtures

Polyethylene is used in a myriad of ways, from low molecular weight polyethylene (PE) being used as a lubricant and mold release, to higher molecular weight grades being used for fiber, films, molding resins, etc. According to the advantages of PE as stiffness, light weight plastic and having excellent chemical resistance, polyethylene and cement mixtures can offer considerable benefits to product performance, marketing aspects and differentiation of cement products. The objective of this investigation is to study the influence of PE on the properties of cements. In this paper a portion of ordinary Portland cement OPC was replaced by polyethylene powder, with four different rates (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). Paste of each cement was prepared and analyzed for its setting time, expansion and strength. In this experimental study with 10% of PE the maximum strength is achieved for 28 days. Moreover, in order to benefit from thermoplastic and viscoelastic properties of PE, we exposed specimens of polymer mortar to a thermal cycle in a temperature ranging from 25 up to 130 °C. The results show some development of strength.