Available online at www.sciencedirect.

com
Construction
and Building

Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291

MATERIALS
www.elsevier.com/locate/conbuildmat

Mechanical properties of polymer concrete made with recycled PET

and recycled concrete aggregates
a,1 b,* a,c
Byung-Wan Jo , Seung-Kook Park , Jong-Chil Park
a
Department of Civil Engineering at Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
b
Construction Industry Research Division, Korea Research Institute for Construction Policy, Specialty Construction B/D,
14F, 395-70 Sindaebang2-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 156-714, South Korea
c
Highway and Transportation Technology Institute, Hwaseong-si, South Korea

Received 20 February 2007; received in revised form 2 October 2007; accepted 11 October 2007
Available online 20 February 2008

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to solve some of the solid waste problems posed by plastics and concrete demolition. To this end, we
evaluated the mechanical properties of polymer concrete, in particular, polymer concrete made of unsaturated polyester resins from
recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste and recycled concrete aggregates. The strength and the resistances to acid
and alkali compounds of the polymer concrete were measured by varying the coarse and fine aggregate ratio and resin content. Three
main observations followed the results. First, we found that the strength of polymer concrete made with a resin based on recycled PET
and recycled aggregate increases with increasing resin content; however, beyond a certain resin content, the strength does not change
appreciably. Second, the stress–strain curves of polymer concretes with 100% natural aggregate and 100% recycled aggregate exhibited
different failure mechanisms of the compressed materials. Third, with respect to acid resistance, the polymer concrete at a resin content of
9% was nearly unaffected by HCl, whereas the polymer concrete with 100% recycled aggregate showed poor acid resistance. Unlike acid,
alkali compounds did not seem to attack the polymer concrete with 100% recycled aggregate as observed from the weight change and the
compressive strength.
 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Polymer concrete; Recycled PET; Recycled aggregate; Mechanical properties; Stress–strain curve

1. Introduction to cement-based concrete. In fact, a recent survey ranked

Compared to cement-based concrete, polymer concrete
(PC) is stronger and more durable. For this reason, poly-
mer concrete is used in many structures such as box cul-
verts, hazardous waste containers, trench lines, floor
drains, and in the repair and overlay of damaged cement
concrete surfaces such as pavement and bridges. In spite
of its advantages, however, polymer concrete is not used
widely due to its relatively high material cost compared
*
Corresponding author. Tel.: +82 2 3284 2610; fax: +82 2 3284 2619.
E-mail address: plus_skpark@yahoo.com (S.-K. Park).
1
Tel.: +82 2 2220 0327; fax: +82 2 2292 0321.
less expensive resins as the most important factor necessary
for the future use of polymer concrete [1]. Binders used for
polymer concrete include epoxy, MMA (Methyl Methacry-
late), and unsaturated polyester, among others. A large
stream of recycled PET is available from recycling applica-
tions, and this has made unsaturated polyester resin a
widely used and popular binding agent for polymer
concrete.
Several attempts have been made to utilize demolition
material from concrete and masonry wastes [6–8]. Recycled
concrete aggregate has a relatively lower density and higher
water absorption characteristics than fresh granite aggre-
gate. Consequently, to compensate low strength of recycle
aggregate with high strength of polymer is promising.

0950-0618/$ - see front matter  2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2007.10.009
2282 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291
Given the rise in popularity of PET and recycled aggre-
gate concrete, the mechanical properties, including the elas-
tic modulus of recycled-PET polymer concrete with
recycled concrete aggregate (RPC, RPC is defined as poly-
mer concrete which is made of recycled-PET polymer and
recycled concrete aggregate), were investigated in this study
as a function of the ratio of natural and recycled aggregates
for both coarse and fine aggregates. The effect of age on the
compressive strength of RPC was also studied to determine
how strength changed over time. The resistances to acid
and alkali compounds of RPC were estimated by varying
the natural and recycled aggregate ratios. A scanning elec-
tron microscope (SEM) was used to closely examine the
difference between the aggregate-binder interfacial zones
with RPC using natural aggregate and those using recycled
aggregate.
2. Research significance
This paper contributes to the understanding of the char-
acteristics of polymer concrete made with recycled-PET
and recycled concrete aggregates. It also provides the nec-
essary data for the disposal of PET waste and demolished
concrete in landfills. Results to be achieved are expected to
contribute to the following areas of interest:
1. Manufacture of structural grade polymer concrete using
recycled concrete aggregate with undesirable physical
properties (for example, high water absorption and rel-
atively lower density).
2. Development of new possibilities for the use of recycled-
PET and recycled concrete aggregate in polymer
concrete.
3. Increase in the use of recycled-PET and recycled con-
crete aggregate in the production of polymer concrete
and, thereby, reduction of environmental pollution
and increase in preservation of natural resources.
The recycling of PET and the use of recycled concrete
aggregate could lower the material cost of producing useful
polymer concrete products.
3. Experiment
3.1. Materials
3.1.2. Resin
Unsaturated polyesters (UP) produced with recycled
PET may be used to produce good quality polymer con-
crete at a relatively low cost and is useful as an energy sav-
ing material. The properties of this resin are shown in
Table 1
Properties of UP resin based on recycled PET
Non-volatile materials (%) Acid value (mg KOH/g)
60 5 1300
Table 1. Cobalt octoate (0.1% by weight of resin) was pre-
viously added to the commercial UP product as a pro-
moter. Hence, only the addition of the initiator, methyl
ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKPO), was needed for the hard-
ening reaction. The styrene monomer constituted 40% of
the total UP resin weight.
3.1.3. Microfiller
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was used as mineral filler in
order to ensure good bonding between the polymer matrix
and inorganic aggregates [4,10]. The chemical composition
of CaCO3 is given in Table 2.
The microfiller was oven-dried for a minimum of 24 h at
110 ± 5 C to reduce its moisture content to less than 0.5%
by weight, after which it was cooled to room temperature.
3.1.4. Aggregate
Four types of aggregate were used in all concrete mix-
tures: recycled coarse aggregate (nominal maximum size
of 9 mm), recycled fine aggregate, and natural coarse and
fine aggregates. The physical properties of the aggregates
are given in Table 3.
Residual cement mortar attached to the recycled con-
crete aggregate particles was observed. The weight fraction
of recycled coarse aggregates was 21.5%, which was rela-
tively higher than that for the natural aggregates because
of the previously mentioned mortar coating. High water
absorption was the most significant difference in the phys-
ical characteristic of recycled aggregate.
3.1.5. Mix design
Variables were divided into two groups. The first group
of variables, which were related to the study and compari-
son of the fundamental properties of RPC, is listed in Table
4. These experimental variables indicate how the contents
of recycled aggregate affect the strength of RPC and what
kinds of relationships exist between the RPC strengths. The
curing ages varied from 1, 3, and 7-days to consider the
influence of curing age on the RPC’s compressive strength.
The second group of variables was selected to investi-
gate the effects of the UP resin content on the strength of
RPC and to determine the optimal resin content for maxi-
mum strength. The experimental variables II are classified
in Table 5.
3.2. Testing procedure
3.2.1. Strengths and elastic modulus
The specimens were mixed and cured at room tempera-
ture for 7 days prior to testing. Likewise, in order to con-
sider the influence of curing age on the compressive
Viscosity (MPa s) HDT (C) Elongation (%)
80 4.1
 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291 2283

Table 2
Chemical composition of CaCO3
Specific gravity Specific surface (cm2/g) Chemical composition (%)
SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 CaCO3 MgO
2.75 3130 0.5 0.2 0.1 96.0 0.5

Table 3
Physical properties of aggregates
Description Recycled aggregate Natural aggregate
Coarse (69 mm) Fine (65 mm) Coarse (69 mm) Fine (65 mm)
Water absorption (%) 1.12 1.73 0.70 0.44
Specific gravity 2.62 2.45 2.64 2.55
Ratio of abrasion (%) 21.5 – 10.7 –
Solid volume (%) 60 58 60.8 63.7

Table 4
Experimental variables
Series Resin (%) Filler (%) Aggregate (82%)
Natural (%) Recycled (%)
Coarse (69 mm) Fine (65 mm) Coarse (65 mm) Fine (69 mm)
I NA100-R9 9 9 100 100 0 0
NC70-R9 70 100 30 0
NC50-R9 50 100 50 0
NC30-R9 30 100 70 0
NC0-R9 0 100 100 0
II NF70-R9 100 70 0 30
NF50-R9 100 50 0 50
NF30-R9 100 30 0 70
NF0-R9 100 0 0 100
III NA70-R9 70 70 30 30
NA50-R9 50 50 50 50
NA30-R9 30 30 70 70
NA0-R9 0 0 100 100
Unit: percentage by weight.
R#: resin content in PC, NA: natural coarse aggregate and fine aggregate (Percentage by weight).
NC: natural coarse aggregate (Percentage by weight).
NF: natural fine agg (Percentage by weight).

Table 5
Experimental variables II for resin contents
Types Changing factor (Resin Contents) Aggregate; 82, 74, 66 (%)
Resin (%) Filler (%) Natural (%) Recycled (%)
Coarse (69mm) Fine (65mm) Coarse (69mm) Fine (65mm)
NA100-R# 9,13,17 9,13,17 100 100 0 0
NC50-R# 50 100 50 0
NC0-R# 0 100 100 0
NF50-R# 100 50 0 50
NF0-R# 100 0 0 100
NA50-R# 50 50 50 50
NA0-R# 0 0 100 100
Unit: percentage by weight.
R# is resin contents 9%, 13%, and 17% by weight.

strength of the specimens, curing ages of 1, 3, and 7 days
for the RPC were also considered. The size of the concrete
cylinders for compressive strength, split tensile strength,
and modulus of elasticity testing was 76 mm in diameter
and 152 mm in length. The flexural strength tests were per-
formed on beams of 50 mm width, 50 mm height, and
305 mm length. The method used for the production of
molds and testing is shown in Table 6.
The static modulus of elasticity, applicable within the cus-
tomary working stress range (0–40% of ultimate concrete
2284 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291

Table 6
Method for molds production and test
Contents Test method Specimen size (mm) Loading time (kN/min) Day(s)
Compressive strength ASTM C 579 76 mm diameter and 152 mm length 44.5 1,3,7
Split tensile strength ASTM C 579 76 mm diameter and 152 mm length 2.225 7
Flexural strength ASTM C 496 50 mm width, 50 mm height, and 305 mm length 2.225 7
Modulus of elasticity ASTM C 580 76 mm diameter and 152 mm length 2.225 7

strength), is used in computing the stress for observed strains
[2,3].
0:4fc0  f1
Ec ¼
e1  0:00005
where Ec, modulus of elasticity (GPa); F1, stress corre-
sponding to a longitudinal strain of 0.00005 (MPa); e1,
the longitudinal strain produced by stress 0:4fc0 .
3.2.2. Acid and alkali resistance
The dry weight of each cube (50 · 50 · 50 mm3) was
measured after a conditioning period. Those specimens
were then kept immersed in a 30% HCl solution. At 7,
14, 21 and 28 days, cubes were taken out of the solution.
A similar method using a 40% NaOH solution was used
for performing alkali resistance test.
The conditioned weight was set to 100% as follows:
Weight changeð%Þ ¼ ½ðW  CÞ=C  100
where C, conditioned weight of specimen (g); W, weight of
specimen after immersion (g).
3.2.3. SEM microstructures
The aggregate/binder interfacial zones of RPC fracture
surfaces were examined on a microscopic level using a
scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an image magni-
fication of 500· for each analysis [9]. Regions of images
with different brightness and rugged features were analyzed
to identify the nature of the interface.
4. Experimental results and discussion
4.1. RPC at a resin content of 9%
ð1Þ
For the purpose of examination of RPC using different
types of aggregate contents, compressive strength tests
were carried out at 1, 3, and 7 days. Results are shown in
Table 7.
Figs. 1–3 show the variation of the strength of RPCs
with natural and recycled aggregate ratios ranging from
0% to 100% (0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%). In general,
the compressive strength of concrete with recycled aggre-
gate was considerably lower than that of the corresponding
mix of concrete with natural aggregate [5]. As expected, in
the case of RPC, a gradual reduction in strength was
observed as the content of recycled aggregate increased.
The weaker bond between old mortar adhering to the recy-
cled concrete aggregate and binder may have contributed
to the reduced in strength of the RPC.
The flexural and split tensile strengths of RPC with a
resin content of 9% are given in Figs. 4 and 5, respectively;
the test results are presented in Table 7. Like compressive
strength, the reduction in the flexural and split tensile
strength was correlated with decreasing natural aggregate
content. For all types of RPC, tests showed that the split
tensile strength and flexural strength could be investigated
to 1/7–1/8fc and 1/2–1/3fc, where fc is the compressive
strength at 7 days.

Table 7
Results of RPC strengths (resin content of 9% by weight)
Types Compressive strength (MPa) Split tensile strength (MPa) Flexural strength (MPa)
1-day 3-days 7-days 7-days 7-days
NA100-R9 50.50 58.74 61.39 100% 8.43 100% 22.85 100%
NC70-R9 45.60 51.68 56.19 92%
NC50-R9 45.01 51.29 55.90 91% 8.04 95% 21.55 85%
NC30-R9 41.58 48.84 53.64 87%
NC0-R9 38.54 45.70 49.13 80% 7.94 94% 19.42 85%
NF70-R9 43.54 47.07 55.02 90%
NF50-R9 36.68 40.70 50.50 82% 7.94 94% 22.16 97%
NF30-R9 34.13 38.15 48.64 79%
NF0-R9 33.54 37.36 45.11 73% 7.85 93% 21.08 92%
NA70-R9 36.97 47.17 52.96 86%
NA50-R9 35.21 43.44 51.29 84% 7.75 92% 20.01 88%
NA30-R9 27.95 36.87 39.03 64%
NA0-R9 21.28 28.64 36.87 60% 7.45 88% 18.14 79%
 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291 2285

70
1 day(s) 3 day(s) 7 day(s)

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (MPa)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
NA100-R9 NC70-R9 NC50-R9 NC30-R9 NC0-R9
SPECIMENS
Fig. 1. Compressive strength with recycled coarse aggregates contents at 1, 3 and 7 days.

70
1 day(s) 3 day(s) 7 day(s)
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (MPa)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
NA100-R9 NF70-R9 NF50-R9 NF30-R9 NF0-R9
SPECIMENS
Fig. 2. Compressive strength with recycled fine aggregates contents at 1, 3, and 7 days.

4.2. RPC at a resin content of 13%
Fig. 6 illustrates the variations in strengths of RPC with
a resin content of 13% by weight. The strength decreased
with decreasing natural aggregate contents similarly to
RPC made of 9% UP. The compressive strength of RPC
at a resin content of 13% was in the range of 56.3–
77.2 MPa. Compared to RPC at a resin content of 9%,
the compressive strength of RPC at a resin content of
13% was more than 20% higher. In the case of split tensile
strength we also observed that there was a slight increase in
the strength of RPC made with a resin content of 13% com-
pared to RPC made with a resin content of 9%. This
increase may be due to the different and complex failure
mechanisms of the material in RPC under compression
and tension.
4.3. RPC at a resin content of 17%
Fig. 7 illustrates the variations in strengths of RPC with
a resin content of 17% by weight. The strength of RPC at a
resin content of 17% did not change significantly with recy-
cled aggregate contents. This was due to the filling of the
pores of the old mortar attached to the recycled aggregate
by the resin and microfiller. This also contributed to
enhanced strength of the RPC.
2286 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291

70
1 day(s) 3 day(s) 7 day(s)

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (MPa)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0
NA100-R9 NA70-R9 NA50-R9 NA30-R9 NA0-R9
SPECIMENS
Fig. 3. Compressive strength with recycled aggregates contents uniformly at 1, 3, and 7 days.

10.00
7 days
SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH (Mpa)

8.00

6.00

4.00

2.00

0.00
-R
9 R9 0-R
9
-R
9 R9 0-R
9
-R
9
0-R
9
-R
9
100 50- NC 100 50- NF 1 00 5 NA
0
NA NC NA NF NA NA

SPECIMENS
Fig. 4. Split tensile strength of RPC at a resin content of 9%.

Unlike the variation of strengths with the resin contents there is little or no further increase in strength that could be
of 9% and 13%, the increase in strength resulting from a obtained.
resin content of 17% was not significant (compare Table
7 and Fig. 7). 4.4. Stress–strain curve and modulus of elasticity
These results show that the strength of RPC reached a
maximum at a particular resin content that may be between Test results showed that there was a notable difference
13% and 17% by weight. Beyond a particular resin content, between the stress–strain curves of RPC at a resin content
 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291 2287

25.00

7 days

FLEXURAL STRENGTH (MPa)

20.00

15.00

10.00

5.00

0.00
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
-R -R 0-R -R -R 0-R -R 0-R -R
1 00 50 NC 100 50 NF 100 5 NA
0
NA NC NA NF NA NA

SPECIMENS
Fig. 5. Flexural strength of RPC at a resin content of 9%.

80 25

SPLIT TENSILE & FLEXURAL STRENGTH

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (MPa)

70
20
60

50
15

40

(MPa)
10
30

20
5
10
Compressive Split tensile Flexural
0 0
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
-R1 -R1 0-R1 -R1 -R1 F0-R1 R1 R1
00- A50- NA0-
R1
A 100 NC50 N C A 100 NF50 N A1 N
N N N

Fig. 6. Strengths at a resin content of 13%.

of 9% by weight and those with different recycled aggre- ior was attributed to an increased recycled aggregate-to-
gates contents. resin bond associated with the high resin content. The sta-
Fig. 8 shows comparisons of the elastic modulus of RPC tic modulus of elasticity obtained by the stress strain curves
with and without recycled aggregate. is indicated in Fig. 10.
Fig. 9 shows the stress–strain response for RPC with The test results showed that there was an approximate
100% natural aggregates and 100% recycled aggregates. 40% decrease in the compressive strength of RPC com-
From this figure, it can be seen that as the content of recy- pared with PC composed of 100% natural aggregate and
cled aggregate increases, the slope of the ascending branch that similarly the static modulus of elasticity ratio of the
decreases. However, with a resin content of 17%, the slope RPC decreased 49%.
of the ascending branch did not change appreciably with an The elastic modulus of RPC (7 days) was similar to the
increase in recycled aggregates. The reason for this behav- trend observed for compressive strength test results with
2288 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291

80 25

SPLIT TENSILE & FLEXURAL STRENGTH

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (MPa)
70
20
60

50
15

40

(MPa)
10
30

20
5
10
Compressive Split tensile Flexural
0 0
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
R1 R1 R1 R1 0-R1 0-R1 R1 R1 R1
1 00- C50- NC0- 1 00- F 5 N F 1 00- A50- NA0-
NA N NA N NA N

Fig. 7. Strengths at a resin content of 17%.

70

60

50
STRESS (MPa)

40

30
NA100-R9
NF50-R9
20 NF0-R9
NC50-R9
10 NC0-R9
NA50-R9
NA0-R9
0
0.000 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.007
STRAIN
Fig. 8. Compressive stress–strain curves of RPC at a resin content of 9% by weight.

resin and recycled aggregate contents. Therefore, there may
also be a correlation between the compressive strength and
elastic modulus of RPC.
4.5. Chemical resistance
Acid and alkali resistance properties are important in
various RPC applications when RPC is used to protect
industrial floors and tanks or pipes from corrosive liquids.
The acid and alkali resistance properties of RPC with and
without recycled aggregate are shown in Table 8. Fig. 11
shows the effect of acid resistance on RPC with a resin con-
tent of 9% as a function of days immerged. The RPC was
nearly unaffected by a 30% solution of HCl, whereas RPC
made of 100% recycled aggregate showed poor acid resis-
tance and a greater change in weight. In addition, the com-
pressive strength of the RPC decreased 22% compared with
the PC with 100% natural aggregate. Unlike acid, alkali did
not seem to attack the RPC as indicated by the evidence
from the weight change and compressive strength change.
4.6. SEM microstructures
Fig. 12 shows the microstructure of polymer concrete
(resin contents of 9% and 17%) with and without recycled
aggregate at an image magnification of 500·. The
RPCs tested differed in the geometrical features of their
surfaces.
 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291 2289

80

70

60
STRESS (MPa)
50

40

30
NA0-R9
NA0-R13
20
NA0-R17
NA100-R9
10 NA100-R13
NA100-R17
0
0.000 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.006
STRAIN
Fig. 9. Compressive stress–strain curves with 100% of natural aggregate and 100% of recycled aggregate.

70 30.0
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (MPa)

60 27.10 27.10 27.10 25.0

STATIC MODULUS OF
ELASTICITY (GPa)
50
20.0
20.66 20.28
40 19.03
18.18
15.0
30 14.88
13.78
10.0
20
Compressive strength
10 5.0
Static modulus of elasticity

0 0.0
R9 R9 9 R9 R9 9 R9 R9 9
-R -R -R
100- C50- NC0 100- F50- NF0 100- A50- NA0
NA N NA N NA N
SPECIMENS
Fig. 10. Modulus of elasticity and compressive strengths.

Table 8
Change in weight after chemical resistance tests Both RPCs (resin content of 9%) with natural and recy-
HCl (30%) NaOH (40%) cled aggregate shown in Fig. 12a and b showed a similar
compact matrix with many voids (the porous phase is rep-
Series Weight change (%) Series Weight change (%)
resented by the dark region) in the surface near the aggre-
NA100-R9 0.6 NA100-R9 0.3
gates, indicating that the resin binder did not penetrate the
NF50-R9 0.9 NF50-R9 0.4
NF0-R9 2.1 NF0-R9 0.4 microstructure in this case. Moreover, it was observed that
NC50-R9 0.8 NC50-R9 0.2 the aggregate in the RPC matrix was attached to old mor-
NC0-R9 1.0 NC0-R9 0.2 tar on its surface.
NA50-R9 1.5 NA50-R9 0.3 In the case of RPC (resin content of 17%), where enough
NA0-R9 3.1 NA0-R9 0.3
amount of resin was added to bond between aggregates, the
2290 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291

110
100
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH(MPa)
90
80
70
60
50
40 No chemical resistant test
30
Acid 30%
20
Alkali 40%
10
0
R9 R9 9 R9 R9 9 R9 R9 9
-R -R -R
100- F50- NF0 100- C50- NC0 100- A50- NA0
NA N NA N NA N
SPECIMENS
Fig. 11. Compressive strength of RPC after chemical resistance tests for 28 days.

2
1 4

4
2
1

(a) PC (9%) with natural agg. (b) RPC (9%) with recycled agg.

1
4

2
3
2

4 3

(c) PC (17%) with natural agg. (d) RPC (17%) with recycled agg.
( 1. Porosity in the RPC. 2. Coarse Agg. 3. Resin 4. Fine Agg.)
Fig. 12. SEM of RPC and PC (resin contents of 9% and 17%).

resin seemed to improve the adhesion among all the different been influenced by the presence of the porosity in the RPC
phases (see Fig. 12c and d) thus leading to more compact matrix and the lack of adhesion. The addition of resin to
materials with a higher strength. It was assumed that the the matrix has a very important effect on the mechanical
properties of the aggregate-binder interfacial zone may have properties of the interfacial bond between aggregates.
 B.-W. Jo et al. / Construction and Building Materials 22 (2008) 2281–2291
In addition to the fractural surface, the RPC (resin con-
tent of 17%) in the SEM image showed to have a smooth
shape, while the RPC (resin content of 9%) was of rough
shape.
5. Conclusions
The following conclusions may be drawn from the
results of this study:
1. In the recycled-PET polymer concrete with recycled con-
crete aggregates (RPC), a gradual reduction in strength
was observed as the recycled aggregate content
increased. This effect was due to the weaker bond of
the old mortar adhering to the recycled concrete aggre-
gate, which may have caused a reduction in the strength
of the RPC. RPC with a resin content of 17% by weight
showed little to no decrease in strength, showing that
particular resin contents filled the voids in the old mor-
tar attached to the recycled aggregate.
2. The compressive strength of RPC increased with resin
content; however, beyond a certain resin content
(approximately 13–17% resin) the strength did not
change appreciably with increasing resin content.
3. From the stress–strain curves for RPC it was observed
that the slope of the ascending branch decreased as the
recycled aggregate content increased. However, the
slope for the RPC with a resin content of 17% by weight
did not change appreciably.
4. The elastic modulus of RPC (7 days) decreased similarly
to its compressive strength, suggesting that there may be
a correlation between the compressive strength and the
elastic modulus of RPC.
5. In acid resistance testing, RPC with a resin content of
9% was found to be nearly unaffected by HCl, whereas
RPC with 100% recycled aggregate showed poor acid
resistance. According to the evidence from weight
change and compressive strength, alkali, unlike acid,
did not seem to attack RPC.
2291
6. The properties of the aggregate-binder interfacial zone
may be influenced by the presence of porosity in the
RPC matrix and the lack of adhesion itself, so that the
addition of resin to the matrix may have a very impor-
tant effect on the mechanical properties of the interfacial
bond between aggregates.
References
[1] Farahat MS, Abdel-Azim A, Abdel-raowf M. Modified unsaturated
polyester resins synthesized from poly(echylene terephthalate) waste 1
synthesis and curing characteristics. Macromol Mater Eng 2000;283:
1–6.
[2] 2002 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM 2002.
[3] ACI Committee 318, Building code requirements for rein-
forced concrete (ACI 318-02). American Concrete Institute, Detroit,
2002.
[4] Saroja Devi M, Murugesan V, Rengaraj K, Anand P. Utilization of
fly ash as filler for unsaturated polyester resin. J Appl Polym Sci
1998;69:1385–91.
[5] Mostafa Taavakoli, Parviz Soroushian. Strengths of recycled aggre-
gate concrete made using field-demolished concrete as aggregate. ACI
Mater J, Title no. 93-M21, 1996, 182–90.
[6] Rasheeduzzafar, Khan Asfahanullah. Recycled concrete – a source
for new aggregate, vol. 6. American Society for Testing and
Materials; 1984. p. 17–27.
[7] Hansen Torven C. Recycled aggregates and recycled aggregate
concrete second state-of-the-art report developments 1945–1985.
Rilem Technical Committee-37-DRC, p. 201–46.
[8] Gomez-Soberon Jose MV. Porosity of recycled concrete with substi-
tution of recycled concrete aggregate – An experimental study.
Cement Concrete Res 2002;32:1301–11.
[9] Czarnecki Lech, Garbacz Andrzej, Kurach Joanna. On the charac-
terization of polymer concrete fracture surface. Cement Concrete
Comp 2001;23:399–409.
[10] Lakshmi Kanta Rao VV, Krishnamoorthy S. Influence of resin and
microfiller proportions on strength, density, and setting shrinkage of
polyester polymer concrete. ACI Struct J 1998;95:153–62.