This study examined the effects of using acrylic polymer and micro-SiO2 in self-compacting concrete (SCC). Using these materials in SCC improves the characteristics of the concrete. Self-compacting samples with 1-2% of a polymer and 10% micro-SiO2 were made. In all cases, compressive strength, water absorption, and self-compacting tests were done. The results show that adding acrylic polymer and micro-SiO2 does not have a significant negative effect on the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete. In addition using these materials leads to improving them. 1. Introduction Concrete is the world’s widely used construction material because of its properties. By increasing the use of engineers, SCC [1–6] was developed in Japan. One of the biggest differences between SCC and usual concrete is their incorporation of materials [7, 8]. SCC is considered to be a concrete that can be placed and compacted with no vibration and segregation [9–12]. Because cement, the most important part of the concrete, is very expensive, using SCC is very economical. Polymer concrete (PC) is a composite material which is formed by combining mineral aggregates or monomers [13]. Because of its high strength properties, rapid setting, and ability to resist a corrosive environment, PC is increasingly being used as an alternate to cement concrete in construction, highway pavements, waste water pipes, and other places. Polymers are mostly incorporated in the concrete mixed as emulsions of polymer in water (latexes), but dry polymer powders or liquid monomers or resins may be used [14]. The nature of microstructural modification and void filling and bridging of cracks that occurs when polymer formulations are incorporated in cement systems is such that polymers change the pore structure [15]. The polymer used in this paper is the polymerization product of acrylic acid. This polymer is based on acrylic resins. It has the ability to mix easily at any mortar and is consistent with a variety of acrylic paints. Micro-SiO2 had been used as an addition to SCC for 10 percent by weight of cement, although the normal proportion is 5 to 15 percent. With an addition of 10 percent, the potential exists for very strong, brittle concrete. High replacement rates will require the use of a high range water reducer. When it is used in concrete, it acts as a filler and as a cementitious material. The small microsilica particles fill spaces between cement particles and between the cement past matrix and aggregate particles. Microsilica also combines with calcium hydroxide to form additional calcium
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