THE INFLUENCE OF VARIABLE TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS ON SELECTED PROPERTIES OF RESIN MORTARS MODIFIED WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS

Polymer composites have a number of valuable properties that enable them to find a special place in the field of civil engineering. In response to current trends related to sustainable construction and the circular economy, effective ways of modifying these composites with recycled materials are being sought. This approach, in turn, makes these materials require systematic monitoring of their durability, especially in the context of variable operating temperatures. The article describes the results of the testing of concrete-like epoxy composites modified with waste materials, both within the resin matrix - by glycolysate obtained on the basis of propylene glycol and poly(ethylene terephthalate) derived from waste beverage bottles, and aggregates- polyethylene agglomerate from waste bags and waste rubber granules from car tires. After seven days of maturation in laboratory conditions, the mortar samples were exposed in a climatic chamber to cyclic (50 and 100 cycles) temperature changes ranging from +20 degrees C to +100 degrees C and from -10 degrees C to +10 degrees C. Then, strength tests, changes in the mass and adhesion to cement concrete were carried out. The proposed material solution, combined with the conducted set of tests, brings scientific novelty to the field of building composites. The test results confirm the beneficial effect of modification, especially when it took place in the resin matrix. Positive temperature cycles resulted in post-hardening of the samples and thus an increase in the strength characteristics. The impact of negative temperatures was more unfavorable for the material; after 100 cycles, in most cases, a slight decrease in the mechanical parameters was noted, while the adhesion remained at a very good level, twice as high as that required for repair systems.