Abstract:

In this study, polymer concrete composites were produced using vinylester resin as polymer binder and pumice and expanded perlite aggregates as lightweight aggregate. Aggregates used in concrete mixtures were determined as 0%, 15%, 30% and 45% by volume. A series of experimental studies were carried out on polymer concrete samples produced at the determined mix ratios. In this context, the theoretical and apparent densities of the polymer concrete samples were compared and compressional wave velocity tests were performed. The strengths of polymer concretes were determined by performing flexural and compressive tests for the mechanical properties of the samples. Mechanical and physical properties were found to vary depending on the type and ratio of aggregate used. When the polymer concrete series with both aggregates were examined, it was observed that the flexural and compressive strengths of the samples produced using pumice were higher than the samples produced using expanded perlite. Polymer concrete samples produced using 30% pumice aggregate provided the highest strength values in this study. These samples had a flexural strength of 44 MPa and a compressive strength of 122 MPa. Finally, depending on the increase in aggregate ratio, the flexural strengths first increased and then decreased in the pumice series, while it decreased in the expanded perlite series. Compressive strengths first increased and then decreased in both aggregate series.

Keywords: