Ratio optimization and grouting effect of low-viscosity and high-flexibility polymer

A new waterborne epoxy resin (polymer) was studied as a potential grouting material to improve the conventional epoxy resin's high viscosity, brittleness and poor environmental performance. The polymer's formulation was meticulously tailored and optimized by adjusting the curing/hardening time, solid content, viscosity and mechanical properties. Concurrently, grouting tests and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were carried out to scrutinize the diffusion effects and microscopic morphology of three distinct grouted sands, employing polymer, superfine cement and sodium silicates as grouting materials. The results show that the polymer performance is optimal when the polymer ratio is CC-190. CC-190 exhibits a homogeneous composition with 100 % solid content. The initial viscosity of CC-190 stands at a mere 19.2 mPa & sdot;s and peak compressive strength of 10.8 MPa. The compression ratio (compression height/original height) and rebound rate (rebound height/original height) of CC-190 remain consistently above 35 % and 93 %, respectively. Grouting tests underscore that polymer outperforms superfine cement and sodium silicates in terms of diffusion distance and grouting volume. Microscopic examination of the grouted sands elucidates that the polymer engenders a sophisticated three-dimensional cross-linked skeletal network, effectively binding and encapsulating individual sand particles. This skeletal framework imparts robust binding forces, ensuring the structural integrity of the grouted sand when subjected to external forces.