Organosiloxane Polymer Concrete for Geothermal Environments
SourceThe feasibility of using the products of free-radical copolymerization of modified organosiloxane in the formation of a thermally stable and chemically resistant polymer concrete for use in geothermal environments has been demonstrated. Specimens have been produced by using mixtures of organosiloxane containing pendant vinyl groups and styrene or different silicone fluids as a comonomer in conjunction with a free-radical initiator and several aggregate materials. The use of these monomers in conjunction with materials such as silicon dioxide (SiO2) and portland cement to form polymer concrete results in composites with high compressive strength (80 to 100 MPa) and thermal and hydrolytic stability. The results from studies to determine the effect of variables, such as sand particle size, type of cement, and sand/cement ratio, are discussed.