Effects of Marble Particle Size and Gamma Irradiation on Polyester Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Concrete

Abstract

In the construction industry, there is a growing demand for materials with mechanical properties that surpass those of conventional options. Polymer concrete, composed of polymer resins and mineral aggregates, exhibits superior mechanical performance compared to traditional cement-based concrete. However, its relatively low ductility limits its application in load-bearing structures. To address this limitation, reinforcements such as polyester fibers can be incorporated to enhance ductility. Additionally, gamma radiation has been shown to effectively improve the toughness of polymer concrete. In this study, the effects of marble particle size (0.71, 1.4, and 2.36 mm), polyester fiber content (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt%), and gamma radiation dose (50, 100, and 150 kGy) on the mechanical properties of polymer concrete were investigated. The results indicate increases in compressive strength, deformation capacity, modulus of elasticity, and dynamic modulus. These improvements are attributed to radiation-induced modifications in the morphology of the polyester resin, polyester fibers, and the overall polymer concrete matrix.