Durability properties of lightweight concrete produced with polymer coated aggregate

In this study, polyester coated pumice aggregates were obtained by coating the pumice aggregates that grain sizes between 4 mm and 16 mm with polyester, which is known for its high adhesion and insulation properties. By using polyester coated and uncoated pumice aggregates as coarse aggregate and natural crushed stone sand as fine aggregate, 5 different series of light concrete samples with 450 dose cement were produced. In concrete mixtures, polyester coated pumice and uncoated pumice aggregates were used by replacing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% by volume. In the study, specific gravity and water absorption tests were carried out as aggregate tests. Unit weight and slump tests were carried out on fresh concrete, and tests to determine dry unit weight, water absorption, capillary water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, resistance to sulfates, freeze-thaw resistance and thermal conductivity were carried out on hardened concrete samples. In the study, it was determined that the specific gravity of the pumice aggregates increased with the polyester coating, while the water absorption rates decreased by 85% on average. The highest results in terms of compressive strengths and ultrasonic pulse velocities were obtained with the use of uncoated pumice aggregates, and a decrease was observed in the compressive strengths of concrete samples produced with polyester coated pumice aggregates. It has been determined that concretes produced with polyester coated pumice have better performance against sulfates. The most positive results in terms of freeze-thaw performances and thermal conductivities were seen in the concrete series obtained by using 25% polyester coated pumice aggregates. As a result, it has been determined that the aggregates obtained with polyester coating can be used in the production of lightweight concrete.