Particle size effect on optimal mixture ratio of tin slag polymer concrete under compression

Abstract

Tin slag waste is difficult to be disposed of openly due to its radioactive content. In order to overcome this current problem, researches are being carried out for future applications of tin slag as aggregate: either as filler or to replace aggregates in polymer concrete and cement-based concrete. In addition, sustainable development in the construction industry and the conservation of natural resources require using recycled and industrial co-products of all kinds in construction. Thus, this research aims to investigate the potential use of tin slag/polymer concrete for future engineering structure applications. The high silica content of tin slag is expected to offer enhancement in compressive strength for concrete in general. In this study, the mechanical properties such as compressive strength, modulus and deformation are investigated in relation to aggregate size and mixture ratio. The raw form of tin slag is sieved to segregate to four different sizes, then bound to unsaturated polyester resin with different mixture weight ratio. During sample preparation, the mixture is moulded in Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) tubes and left to be cured at room temperature for at least 24 hours. Under compression test, the test samples are loaded using Instron 600 kN universal testing machine at a loading rate of 1 mm/min in accordance to ASTM C 579-01. The test results are then correlated with compressive strength, modulus and deformation. From the analysis it shows that the mixture weight ratio of different polyester weight percentage influence the mechanical properties of the test samples. The optimum mixture weight ratio is 70 (tin slag):30 (polyester) under fine size aggregate (below 1 mm). It is also observed that the maximum compressive load varies between four mixture weight ratios confirming that 70 (tin slag):30 (polyester) under fine size aggregate (below 1 mm) produces higher impact on the strength, modulus and deformation properties of the test samples.