Properties of Polymer-Modified Mortars Using VAE Redispersible Powders

Recently, there is a growing trend in the United States toward replacing latex additives in polymer-modified cement mortars with redispersible polymer powders. This movement is relatively new in the U.S. but is further advanced in Europe due to the more extensive use of cement and concrete in residential construction. Hitherto, in Korea - there is a very diminutive movement towards this growing trend. Thus, there is limited availability of data on redispersible polymer powders. This study investigates the effectiveness of redispersible polymer powder on improvement of the mechanical properties of modified mortar. It was concluded from the results of the experiments that the size of the dispersed polymer particles, variations in glass transition points (Tg), and variations in minimum film formation temperature (MFT) influenced the strength development of the modified mortars, and optimum strength in modified mortars using redispersible powders can be achieved when the Tg which accounts for the degree of powder flexibility is considered.