See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/340827510

Fresh and Hardened Properties of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) Modified

Concrete

Article in European Journal of Engineering and Technology Research · April 2020

DOI: 10.24018/ejers.2020.5.4.1883

CITATIONS READS

5 633

3 authors:

Muhammad Ahmed Qadri Huzaifah Hameed

National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore
3 PUBLICATIONS 22 CITATIONS 2 PUBLICATIONS 7 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Osama Bhutta

3 PUBLICATIONS 22 CITATIONS

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Fluid Flow through Fractured Media View project

Experimental and analytical upscaling of mechanical properties of blended cement paste to concrete level using multiscale modeling. View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Muhammad Ahmed Qadri on 11 May 2020.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.


Fresh and Hardened Properties of Styrene Butadiene
Rubber (SBR) Modified Concrete
M. Ahmed Qadri, Huzaifah Hameed, and Osama Bhutta
 strength of the concrete [3]. SBR addition of 1% gives
Abstract—The durability of concrete has been studied ever
since it was first used. Researchers have incorporated several
materials to make concrete strong and durable. This research
focuses on the infusion of styrene butadiene rubber polymer
(SBR) as a partial replacement of cement and studies its effects
on fresh and hardened properties of concrete. Samples were
prepared using partial replacement of SBR in proportions of
0%, 5%, 10% and 20%. Results showed that the fresh density
of concrete decreased with the addition of SBR whereas the
trends of workability showed an increase with cement
replacement. Compressive strength increased at lower
percentage replacements however the flexural and tensile
strength increased till 15% SBR addition after which it
decreased. The total porosity in terms of water absorption
decreased which makes SBR modified concrete feasible for
concretes exposed to moist conditions and the decreased
porosity would increase its durability against chloride induced
corrosion.
Index Terms—Durability of Concrete, Latexes, Polymer
Modified Concrete, Styrene Butadiene Rubber.
I. INTRODUCTION
Concrete is the most extensively used building material
all over the world. The increasing infrastructure
development, internationally, has increased its demand
considerably. Even though the advantages of concrete
outnumber its disadvantages, yet researchers are in a
constant attempt to minimize the drawbacks and make the
most out of this material. Since concrete is a heterogeneous
material, an effective way to improve its properties is by
incorporating admixtures such as secondary raw materials
(SRM), polymers, latexes etc. The addition of these
additives into cement system administers the maximum
usefulness of both materials by making the end product
strong and durable.
Polymer modified concrete has several known advantages
over the conventional concrete due to the plasticizing nature
of the additive, which results in a better workability of the
concrete. The increased workability gives lower water
cement ratio since SBR does not dry in the fresh mix like
water [1] .The water tightness of concrete produced as a
result of polymer addition is much better and the total
ingress of water is lesser than the conventional concrete [2].
Excessive addition of polymer in mix tends to decrease the
Published on April 22, 2020.
M. A. Qadri is with The National University of Computer and Emerging
Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan (FAST-NUCES) (L181754@lhr.nu.edu.pk)
H. Hameed is with The University of Engineering and Technology,
Lahore, Pakistan (UET). (huzaifah@uet.edu.pk)
O. Bhutta is a professional civil engineer in New York, USA
(sambhutta@aol.com)
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24018/ejers.2020.5.4.1883
EJERS, European Journal of Engineering Research and Science
Vol. 5, No. 4, April 2020
higher compressive strength than the unmodified
cementitious system [4]. The tensile and flexural strength of
SBR modified concrete however increases with the increase
in polymer content to an optimum value after which it
decreases [5],[6]. SBR plays an important role in decreasing
the overall voids in the cementitious system and therefore
improving the durability against the deleterious actions.
SBR modified concrete shows better resistance to chloride
ion penetration by densifying the microstructure therefore
giving better corrosion resistance [7]. Similarly the sulfate
resistance of the hardened concrete is greatly enhanced [8].
SBR plays a vital role in the early hydration of cement.
The incorporation of SBR reduces the exothermicity of the
reaction and thus reducing the early heat of hydration
produced. This characteristic favors delayed strength and
gives the mix a retarding effect [9]. In concrete the addition
of SBR favors the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) by
decreasing the ITZ thickness considerably. This results in
partial inhibition of calcium-hydroxide production and
improving the hydration products [10], [9]. The durability of
SBR modified concrete is better than the conventional
concrete since it has the ability to undergo lesser shrinkage
strains and the abrasion resistance properties of such
concrete are better [11]. The enhanced characteristics of
SBR modified concrete makes it feasible in being used in
new innovative technologies such as 3-dimensional concrete
printing [12].
The increasing demand of concrete has motivated the
researchers to work on new ideas by incorporating polymer
latexes in concrete to enhance the desired properties and
produce durable structures. In this research an attempt is
made to determine fresh and hardened properties of SBR
modified concrete by varying the polymer content in
percentages of 5, 10, 15 and 20. A lot of research on
polymer modified concrete has been done previously but
this research aims to study the effects of greater SBR
addition in concrete and comment on its usefulness and
compatibility with concrete.
II. EXPERIMENTAL FRAMEWORK
A. Materials
Ordinary Portland cement of Type-I was used, confirming
to the 42.5N strength specification. The tests on cement
were performed following the British standard, BS-EN 196-
2 [13]. XRF analysis was conducted to confirm the chemical
composition of cement. Physical testing on cement was done
at materials lab of The University of Engineering and
Technology, Lahore. The results of these tests are
summarized in Table I and Table II.
457
 EJERS, European Journal of Engineering Research and Science
Vol. 5, No. 4, April 2020

TABLE I: PHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF CEMENT TABLE IV: PROPERTIES OF FINE AND COURSE AGGREGATE
Properties Obtained Values Properties Sand Coarse Aggregate
Consistency 29% Water Absorption 1.37% 1.06%
Blain Fineness 3800 cm2/g Specific Gravity 2.62 2.67
Initial Setting Time 45 min Compacted Bulk Density 1733 kg/m3 1496 kg/m3
Final Setting Time 290 min Loose Bulk Density 1681 kg/m3 1385 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 3.12 Aggregate Impact Value - 14 %
Unit Weight 1470kg/m3 Aggregate Crushing Value - 27 %
Fineness (Passing Sieve #200) 98% Fineness Modulus 2.6 5.48
Mean Particle Diameter (d50) 20.9μm

TABLE II: CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT B. Test Methodology:

Constituent Percentage (%)Limits [14] The samples were prepared by incrementing the quantity
CaO 61.36 60-67
of SBR by partially replacing cement. Replacements of 5,
SiO2 21.16 17-25
MgO 2.20 0.5-4.0 10, 15 and 20 percent were made by weight of cement used
Al2O3 4.97 3.0-8.0 in the mix. Each mix was made with a ratio of 1 part of
SO3 2.03 2.0-3.5 cement, 1.5 parts of sand and 3 parts of coarse aggregate.
Fe2O3 2.29 0.5-6.0
Since SBR is liquid in nature therefore the 60 percent water
K2O 0.72 -
Na2O 0.26 - used for dilution was considered as a part of the mixing
Cl - - water in the total weight of concrete. Control sample was
Cr2O3 - - made with no latex modification. A fixed water cement ratio
Loss on Ignition 4.21 <3 of 0.45 was adopted for all the mixes and the only variable
Tri-Calcium Silicate (C3S) 45.62 42-67
Di-Calcium Silicate (C2S) 26.24 8-31 was the quantity of SBR.
Tri-Calcium Aluminate (C3A) 8.22 5-14 The samples were mixed in a controlled concrete Hobart
Tetra-Calcium Alumino Ferrite (C4AF) 8.83 6-12 mixer and after the initial preparation of the sample, fresh
density and slump of the mix were determined. Fresh
Styrene butadiene rubber is synthesized by the polymeric concrete was fed into 150x150x150mm moulds for
reaction of styrene and butadiene monomers. The SBR compressive strength test as per BS EN 12390-3 [17] and
emulsion was procured from a building material store in beams of 150x150x750mm as per BS EN 12390-5 [18] were
New York and delivered by TCR Restoration and prepared for 4 point flexural strength test. Samples of
Construction Corp. The physical and chemical testing on the 150mm diameter and 300mm height were prepared for
SBR sample was carried out in the chemical engineering indirect tensile strength test as per BS EN 12390-6 [19]. For
department of The University of Engineering and each mix, three samples were prepared to obtain most
Technology, Lahore. SBR had a total solid content of 40% precise results as recommended by the code [17]. After 24
in each kg of solution. The properties of SBR latex are hours of casting, the samples were extracted and placed in
summarized in Table III. the curing tank till tested. Curing regime was followed as
TABLE III: CHARACTERISTICS OF SBR LATEX per BS EN 12390-2 [20].
Properties Obtained Values Parameters of concrete such as its compressive strength,
Type Liquid Emulsion split tensile strength and flexural strength were tested at the
Reactivity and Nature Non-Toxic and Polymeric age of 28 days. Samples were tested for total water ingress
Storage (As Per Standard Packing) 25±10oC
Color Glossy White
after being completely immersed in water for 28 days. The
Density at RTP 1kg/litre total water absorption will account for the total porosity of
Hardness Range 30-95 the sample. By completing these tests, it would be easy to
Presence of free reactive ions - conclude the feasibility of SBR in concrete and comment on
Elongation 450% to 600%
the optimum percentage of replacement. The detailed mixed
Quantity of Styrene 25%
Quantity of Butadiene 75% design is given in Table V.
TABLE V: MIX DESIGN OF CONCRETE SAMPLES
Other material used in this research was coarse aggregate
Control 10% 15% 20%
and fine aggregate. The fine aggregate was procured from 5%SBR
Sample SBR SBR SBR
the embankments of river “haro”, in Pakistan whereas the Cement (kg) 50 47.5 45 42.5 40
coarse aggregate was procured from Margalla region. Both SBR Polymer
0 2.5 5 7.5 10
Solution (kg)
the materials were procured in air tight containers and
Sand (kg) 75 75 75 75 75
transported with least interaction with the environment. The Crush (kg) 150 150 150 150 150
tests on aggregates were performed in the materials lab of Added Water (kg) 22.5 19.875 17.25 14.65 12
The University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. The W/C Ratio 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45 0.45
Water in SBR (kg) 0 1.5 3 4.5 6
standards followed for testing the aggregates were BS EN
Total Water (kg) 22.5 21.375 20.25 19.125 18
1097-3 [15] and BS EN 1097-5 [16]. Properties of both
aggregates are summarized in Table IV. Concrete was mixed at a temperature of 18.8oC, three
samples for each test were casted in moulds confirming the
code BS EN 12390-1 [21]. The results of the tests conducted
will be a key factor in deciding the usefulness of SBR as a
partial replacement of cement and will play a role in coming
up with the optimum dosage.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24018/ejers.2020.5.4.1883 458


Fig. 1(a). Mixing of concrete in Fig. 1(b). Casting of concrete
Hobart mixer samples
Fig. 1(b). De-moulding of concrete Fig. 1(d). Testing of concrete
samples samples
Fig. 1. Pictorial representation of sample preparation and testing
III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
A. Slump
Slump test was carried out on the fresh concrete. Results
showed that the slump of the mix tends to increase with the
addition of polymer. The control sample had a slump value
of 23mm in comparison to 44mm on 5% cement
replacement by SBR. On further addition the value
increased, following similar trend and at 20% SBR addition
maximum slump of 136mm was achieved. This means that
SBR reduces the internal friction between the particles and
allow better flow of the concrete at a fixed water cement
ratio. Greater workability of concrete is therefore achieved
by the addition of SBR. The results obtained are
summarized in Fig. 2.
Fig. 2. Variation of slump with addition of SBR latex
B. Fresh Density
Bulk density of the concrete mix was measured in the
fresh state. The results showed that SBR tends to decrease
the fresh density of concrete. The control mix had a fresh
density of 2516 kg/m3. On 5% replacement of cement by
SBR the value decreased to 2416 kg/m3. On further addition
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24018/ejers.2020.5.4.1883
EJERS, European Journal of Engineering Research and Science
Vol. 5, No. 4, April 2020
up to 10% SBR the value decreased to 2376 kg/m3. Similar
trend was observed on 15% addition and the least value of
2304 kg/m3 was obtained at 20% SBR addition. The results
show that the increase in SBR content dominates its
existence in the mix. Cement therefore being heavier is
being replaced by SBR resulting in an overall decrease in
the density of the mix. The trends of SBR addition with
fresh density are represented in Fig. 3.
Fig. 3. Variation of fresh density with addition of SBR latex
C. Compressive Strength of SBR Modified Concrete
Compressive strength is the most important parameter
associated to concrete. The addition of SBR has noticeable
influence on the strength of concrete. The control sample
had a compressive strength of 20.2 MPa. On 5% addition of
SBR the strength increased to 24.8MPa. On further addition
of SBR the strength of the concrete started to decrease,
reaching a value of 23.2 Mpa on 10% addition and 21MPa
on 15% addition. The least value obtained was 19.2 Mpa on
20% SBR addition. A noticeable decreasing trend after 5%
cement replacement by SBR emphasis on smaller quantities
of SBR to be used with concrete. Excessive use of SBR
would make the concrete weaker in comparison to smaller
partial replacements. Greater percentage of SBR in the mix
would dominate its presence and reduce the hydration
products which would result in lesser bond strength in
concrete. When the cement replacement is kept 5% a
reasonable proportion of SBR and hydration products are
present in the hardened concrete resulting in greater
strength. Fig. 4 gives the trend line obtained between SBR
addition and the resulting compressive strength.
Fig. 4. Variation of compressive strength with addition of SBR latex
459

D. Flexural Strength
The property of concrete to resist bending is called its
flexural strength. The control sample had a flexural strength
of 1.84 MPa. With 5% addition of SBR the flexural strength
of concrete increased to 2.52MPa. Further increase in SBR
content in the mix increased the flexural strength to 2.73
MPa on 10% and 2.95 MPa on 15% cement replacement. A
slight decrease to a value of 2.74 MPa, in the flexural
strength was observed when 20% SBR was added to the
mix. It can be said that the gluing effect of SBR helped in
taking up the bending stresses resulting in an increased
overall flexural strength of the concrete but when 20% SBR
is added the decrease in value shows the dominance of
polymer in the mix which reduces the flexural capacity of
the prism tested. Fig. 5 shows the variations in flexural
strength when different percentages of SBR were added.
Fig. 5 Variation of flexural strength with addition of SBR latex
E. Tensile Strength
The cylinders were tested for indirect tensile strength.
Results showed that with the increase in concentration of
SBR, the tensile strength increases to a point after which it
decreases. The control sample had a tensile strength of 3.57
MPa. On 5% cement replacement by SBR, the tensile
strength increased to 4.3 MPa. Further increase in SBR
content increased the tensile strength, with 4.86 MPa on
10% and 5.13 MPa on 15%. Further addition decreased the
tensile strength to 4.92 MPa. The results obtained showed
similar trends to that obtained in flexural strength test which
means that the incorporation of SBR in concrete can help
taking up tensile forces. SBR being viscous and sticky in
nature helps binding the internal microstructure of the
concrete which in turn increases the tensile strength. Fig. 6
shows the trends of tensile strength obtained when SBR
quantity is increased in the mix.
Fig. 6 Variation of tensile strength with addition of SBR latex
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24018/ejers.2020.5.4.1883
EJERS, European Journal of Engineering Research and Science
Vol. 5, No. 4, April 2020
F. Water Absorption
The absorption of water in concrete is directly related to
the internal porosity. The control mix had water absorption
of 4.1% after 28 days. The increase in SBR content
decreased the water ingress. On 5% SBR addition the water
absorption was 3.7% which further decreased on 10% SBR
addition to 3.1%. On 15% SBR addition the value further
decreased to 2.8%. The least value of 2.6% was observed at
20% SBR addition. The results show that the incorporation
of SBR increases the water tightness of concrete as the
polymer takes up the voids in the concrete. The presence of
SBR in these voids inhibits the ingress of water by
decreasing the overall porosity of the concrete. Fig.7 gives
the trends obtained when concrete was tested for water
absorption under different cement replacements by SBR.
Fig.7. Variation of percentage water absorption with addition of SBR latex
IV. CONCLUSIONS
The conclusions drawn from the study about the fresh and
hardened properties of SBR modified concrete are as
follows:
 In the fresh state, the density of the concrete mix
decreases with the addition of SBR latex showing
that SBR in comparison to cement is lighter in
weight. This means that the concrete produced by
incorporating SBR is lighter in weight in
comparison to the conventional concrete.
 The slump of the mix increases with the increase in
SBR dosage. The incorporation of SBR tends to
decreases the internal friction of the mix and hence
increases the workability of fresh concrete.
 The compressive strength seems to hinge around
the total SBR quantity in the mix. Excess SBR
addition does not favor the compressive strength.
Smaller replacement of up to 5% gives maximum
compressive strength.
 The tensile and flexural capacity of SBR modified
concrete tends to increase due to the gluing effect
of SBR which takes up the tensile forces in
unreinforced concrete.
 The water absorption of concrete incorporating
SBR decreases. This shows that the internal voids
of concrete are filled with polymer which reduces
the porosity and hinders the flow of water.
Decreased porosity will result in better durability
against chloride induced corrosion.
In view of the above arguments, it may be concluded that
SBR is a compatible material with concrete. Its addition in
460

optimum dosage improves several physical properties which
gives the hardened material better durability. However due
to its effect on the increased slump, the water cement ratio
must be such adjusted, to obtain better strength.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors acknowledge the support of TCR Restoration
& Construction Corp. for the funding and providing SBR
samples from New York, USA.
REFERENCES
[1] S. Zhong and Z. Chen, “Properties of latex blends and its modified
cement mortars,” Cem. Concr. Res., vol. 32, no. 10, pp. 1515–1524,
2002, doi: 10.1016/S0008-8846(02)00813-X.
[2] Z. A. Siddiqi, R. Hameed, M. Saleem, and Q. S. Khan,
“Determination Of Compressive Strength And Water Absorption Of
Styrene Butadiene Rubber ( Sbr ) Latex Modified Concrete
Determination Of Compressive Strength And Water Absorption Of
Styrene Butadiene Rubber ( Sbr ) Latex Modified Concrete,” no.
April, 2013.
[3] R. V. A. Ramalho, S. M. Alves, J. C. de O. Freitas, B. L. de S. Costa,
and U. T. Bezerra, “Evaluation of mechanical properties of cement
slurries containing SBR latex subjected to high temperatures,” J. Pet.
Sci. Eng., vol. 178, no. March, pp. 787–794, 2019, doi:
10.1016/j.petrol.2019.03.076.
[4] M. Doʇan and A. Bideci, “Effect of Styrene Butadiene Copolymer
(SBR) admixture on high strength concrete,” Constr. Build. Mater.,
vol. 112, pp. 378–385, 2016, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.02.204.
[5] S. B. Park, B. C. Lee, and J. H. Kim, “Studies on mechanical
properties of concrete containing waste glass aggregate,” Cem. Concr.
Res., vol. 34, no. 12, pp. 2181–2189, 2004, doi:
10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.02.006.
[6] E. Kapil Soni and Y. P. Joshi, “Performance Analysis of Styrene
Butadiene Rubber-Latex on Cement Concrete Mixes,” J. Eng. Res.
Appl. www.ijera.com, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 838–844, 2014.
[7] J. Patel, H. Patil, Y. Patil, and G. Vesmawala, “Strength and transport
properties of concrete with styrene butadiene rubber latex modified
lightweight aggregate,” Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 195, pp. 459–467,
2019, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.11.092.
[8] F. A. Shaker, A. S. El-Dieb, and M. M. Reda, “Durability of Styrene-
Butadiene latex modified concrete,” Cem. Concr. Res., 1997, doi:
10.1016/S0008-8846(97)00055-0.
[9] X. Qu and X. Zhao, “Influence of SBR latex and HPMC on the
cement hydration at early age,” Case Stud. Constr. Mater., vol. 6, no.
April, pp. 213–218, 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.cscm.2017.04.006.
[10] J. A. Rossignolo, “Interfacial interactions in concretes with silica
fume and SBR latex,” Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 817–
821, 2009, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2008.03.005.
[11] F. Moodi, A. Kashi, A. A. Ramezanianpour, and M. Pourebrahimi,
“Investigation on mechanical and durability properties of polymer and
latex-modified concretes,” Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 191, pp. 145–
154, 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.09.198.
[12] K. K. Kim, J. Yeon, H. J. Lee, and K. S. Yeon, “Strength
development characteristics of SBR-modified cementitious mixtures
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.24018/ejers.2020.5.4.1883
View publication stats
EJERS, European Journal of Engineering Research and Science
Vol. 5, No. 4, April 2020
for 3-demensional concrete printing,” Sustain., vol. 11, no. 15, 2019,
doi: 10.3390/su11154164.
[13] British Standards Institution, “BS EN 196-2:2013: Method of testing
cement Part 2 : Chemical analysis of cement,” BSI Stand. Ltd., 2013.
[14] P. Muangtong, S. Sujjavanich, S. Boonsalee, S. Poomiapiradee, and
D. Chaysuwan, “Effects of fine bagasse ash on the workability and
compressive strength of Mortars piyanut muangtong,” Chiang Mai J.
Sci., vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 126–134, 2013.
[15] BS EN 1097-3, “Tests for mechanical and physical properties of
aggregates - Part 3: Determination of loose bulk density and voids,”
1998.
[16] B. S. En, “Tests for mechanical and physical properties of aggregates
—,” October, vol. 3, no. 1, 2005.
[17] E. B. S. BS, “BS EN 12390:3 - Testing hardened concrete,” no.
August, p. 22, 2009.
[18] British Standards Institute, “BS EN 12390-5:2009 ‘Testing hardened
concrete - Part 5: Flexural strength of test specimens,’” BSI Stand.
Publ., no. August, pp. 1–22, 2009.
[19] British Standard, “Testing hardened concrete - Part 6: Tensile splitting
strength of test specimens,” BS EN 12390-62009, 2009.
[20] British Standards Institution BSI, “Testing hardened concrete - Part 2:
Making and curing specimens for strength tests,” BS En 12390-22009,
2009.
[21] British Standard, “Testing hardened concrete - Part 1: Shape,
dimensions and other requirements for specimens and moulds,” Bs En
12390-12000, vol. 3, pp. 1–14, 2000.
M. Ahmed Qadri graduated in civil engineering
from The University of Engineering and Technology
(UET), Lahore in 2017. He is currently a MSc.
structural engineering student at National University
of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Lahore (FAST-
NUCES). Ahmed has been working on various
researches on civil engineering material including
geo-polymer pastes and self compacting cement
mortars.
Email: L181754@lhr.nu.edu.pk
Huzaifah Hameed graduated in civil engineering
from The University of Engineering and Technology
(UET), Lahore, in 2017. He is currently doing his
MSc. in structural engineering from UET Lahore
where he is also serving as a lab engineer. Huzaifah
is working on research related to multi scale
modeling and research involving behavior study of
ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) in
microstructure of concrete.
Email: huzaifah@uet.edu.pk
Osama Bhutta graduated in civil engineering from
The University of Engineering and Technology
(UET), Lahore in 2017. He is currently working as an
engineer in a construction firm in New York, USA.
His expertise is in water proofing of concrete
structures.
Email: sambhutta@aol.com
461