Processing-Structure-Property Relations in Novel Organocement Composites

The following hypothesis was developed on the basis of experimental observations of Al$\sb2$O$\sb3$-substituted organocement composites. Moisture absorption and transport occurs through the bulk polymer regions; this process combined with further hydration of unreacted cement grains promotes property degradation. Processing constraints prevented complete reduction of the unreacted cement phase in the Al$\sb2$O$\sb3$-substituted composites. Hence, organocement composites with tailored microstructures derived from CaAl$\sb2$O$\sb4$-coated Al$\sb2$O$\sb3$ microcomposite powders were fabricated. These composites contained a negligible amount of unreacted CaAl$\sb2$O$\sb4$ and a moderate reduction in bulk polymer content and exhibited initial strengths comparable to those reported for conventional organocements. These composites did not exhibit significant improvement in moisture sensitivity. Hence, degradation effects stemming from the presence of unreacted cement appeared to be of secondary importance to controlling the moisture sensitivity of these composites.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Materials Science and Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• Desai, Priyadarshi Gautam

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lewis, Jennifer A.

• Engineering, Materials Science

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9812573

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/82884