Radiolytic Modification of Polymer Fillers for Cement Compositions

The influence of preliminary irradiation (3-MeV electron beam) of powdered (≤0.2 mm) synthetic polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, or polystyrene) on the compressive strength of cement–sand–polymer compositions has been studied. The surface oxidation of the powders was ensured by irradiation in air or in a water–air mixture. It was shown that the oxidation of the powder in an aqueous medium, as well as the post-radiation alkalization of the powders, contributed to a higher strength of the composites. Oxidation of the powder in air led to a relative decrease in the strength of the composite due to a higher yield of acid formation.