Investigation of Flexibility Enhancement Mechanisms and Microstructural Characteristics in Emulsified Asphalt and Latex-Modified Cement

Wen Liu, Yong Huang, Yulin He (), Hanyu Wei, Ruyun Bai, Huan Li, Qiushuang Cui and Sining Li ()
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Wen Liu: State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
Yong Huang: State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
Yulin He: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
Hanyu Wei: State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
Ruyun Bai: State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
Huan Li: State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
Qiushuang Cui: State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China
Sining Li: State Key Laboratory of Chemistry and Utilization of Carbon-Based Energy Resources, College of Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830017, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-23

Abstract: The inherent limitations of ordinary cement mortar—characterized by its high brittleness and low flexibility—result in a diminished load-bearing capacity, predisposing concrete pavements to cracking. A novel approach has been proposed to enhance material performance by incorporating emulsified asphalt and latex into ordinary cement mortar, aiming to improve the flexibility and durability of concrete pavements effectively. To further validate the feasibility of this proposed approach, a series of comprehensive experimental investigations were conducted, with corresponding conclusions detailed herein. As outlined below, the flexibility properties of the modified cement mortar were systematically evaluated at curing durations of 3, 7, and 28 days. The ratio of flexural to compressive strength can be increased by up to 38.9% at 8% emulsified asphalt content at the age of 28 days, and by up to 50% at 8% latex content. The mechanism of emulsified asphalt and latex-modified cement mortar was systematically investigated using a suite of analytical techniques: X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTG), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Through comprehensive analyses of microscopic morphology, hydration products, and elemental distribution, the enhancement in cement mortar toughness can be attributed to two primary mechanisms. First, Ca 2+ ions combine with the carbonyl groups of emulsified asphalt to form a flexible film structure during cement hydration, thereby reducing the formation of brittle hydrates. Second, active functional groups in latex form a three-dimensional network, regulating internal expansion-contraction tension in the modified mortar and extending its service life.

Keywords: modified cement mortar; pliability enhancement mechanism; polymer film; active functional groups (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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