Studies on γ-irradiated polymer-nano calcined clay blended cement mortar composites

This study focuses on the preparation of blended cement mortars by a partial replacement of Portland cement by different ratios of nano-calcined clay. Also, the addition of PVA on blended cement mortar with different percentages. In addition to the influence of different doses of gamma rays on the physicochemical properties of the blended cement composites; the specimens are cured under tap water. Results showed that, compressive strength and bulk density of the composites increased with increasing the irradiation dose and PVA contents for certain values while, total porosity behaved in an opposite direction. XRD, SEM, TGA confirmed these conclusions. (c) 2012 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.