An experimental study of some mechanical properties and absorption for polymer-modified cement mortar modified with superplasticizer

Polymer-modified concrete and mortars are widely used with different purposes in precast concrete and prestressed concrete structural elements, bridge decks, buildings, and repair requirements because of their significant behavior under different conditions, such as durability against freezing and thawing, ability to absorb impact loads and good mechanical properties compared to ordinary concretes. This study aims to improve some mechanical properties of cement mortar by using styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) latex, a superplasticizer, and also decreasing the absorption level to lower values by using these two admixtures. The study shows that using 10% SBR by weight of cement increases the compressive strength from 28.6 to 30.8 MPa and decreases the absorption from 2.3 to 1.7% which gives durability for cement mortar. This study also shows the development in strength achieved by using SBR superplasticizer simultaneously, and absorption decreases to only 0.76% for 10% SBR mixes. In comparison, it was 1.75% for mixes with SBR only.