Enhanced thermal efficiency effect of polymer microspheres embedded in mortar

Jess Hernndez-Fras1, Rodrigo Velzquez-Castillo2 and Miguel Galvn-Ruiz 3*

1

Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Queretaro. CU Cerro de las Campanas

76010, Quertaro. Mxico. Email: hf_chucho@hotmail.com

2

Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Queretaro. CU Cerro de las Campanas

76010, Quertaro. Mxico. Email: rodrigo.velazquez@uaq.mx

3

Engineering Faculty, Autonomous University of Queretaro. CU Cerro de las Campanas

76010, Quertaro. Mxico; CETIS 105-SEP. km 3.5 Carretera Tlacote 76138, Quertaro.
Mxico. *Corresponding author, Email: mgr@uaq.edu.mx

Abstract
The aim of this paper is the investigation of key aspects related to the thermal conductivity of
a sand-cement mortar mixed with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres. The
assessment following ASTM guidelines. Previously, cement particles were bond permanently
to the surface during PMMA microspheres synthesis. The embellishments of PMMA
microspheres increases the thermal conductivity resistance of the mortar.
Keywords: Mortar, PMMA microspheres, thermal conductivity.

1. Introduction
Currently, many people noticed the effect on climate change as a result of greenhouse gasses
emissions (Lashof & Ahuja, 1990). A sustainable development satisfies the requirements of
people without committing the capacity of future generations, conserving the environmental
resources using energy, water, and raw materials efficiently (Bruntland, 1987). As priority,
the generation of new materials increases the productivity of resources and offer a more
efficient use of them (Velzquez-Castillo, Galvn-Ruiz and Rivera-Muoz 2010). Today is
noteworthy the development of sustainable technology committed to developing new
construction materials. The enhancement of thermal properties offers some advantages for the
common users, such as important savings on the cost of energy consumption. Wellbeing is
essential in buildings and homes where people spend considerable time (Yeladaqui, 2010).
Comfort in construction depends on factors like having proper lighting, ventilation, and a

pleasant thermal environment. This last depends primarily on materials and intelligent
systems being used (Galvn-Ruiz et al., 2009).
The appropriate use of thermal insulation in buildings contributes to reducing energy costs
(Al-Homoud, 2005). The magnitude of saving energy using thermal insulation varies
according to the type of building, climate conditions, building location and insulation
materials (Budaiwi & Abdou, 2013). The energy saving has an impact on environmental
quality, resources use, and human comfort. The question now in the minds of many building
holders is no longer should insulation be used, nevertheless somewhat, in what way, and how
much (Galvn-Ruiz and Zaleta, 2013).
Research emphasizes thermal analysis to study various types of inorganic and organic
construction materials (Velzquez-Castillo et al. 2012), more extensively in the examination
of inorganic supplies (Ramachandran, Paroli, Beaudoin, & Delgado, 2002).
Alternatively, mortars are broadly construction materials used by a huge number of cultures
disseminated in regions and times. With the accelerated technological development, mortars
have evolved until obtaining a well-documented mix by their applicability and physical
properties (Galvan-Ruiz & Velzquez-Castillo, 2011). These spread over for building works
as a lining and final additions to walls (Ohama, 1995). Formerly, development of polymermodified mortars done resulting in supplies currently used in the construction industry
(Afridi, Ohama and Iqbal 2003). Several studies on different materials examine for
improvement on walls with compounds containing polymers (MacMullen et al. 2011; Bhutta,
Ohama and Tsuruta 2011; Kong et al. 2013), as well for reducing water absorption and
improving thermal insulation saving energy (Saikia & de Brito, 2012). Several polymer
additives modify the properties of mortars (Lanzn and Garca-Ruiz, 2008; Gadea et al.
2010), or decrease the density and modify the hydrophobic properties (Zhao et al., 2011;
Afridi et al., 1995; Frattolillo et al., 2005). Thermal efficiency effect of polymer microspheres
embedded in mortar studied in this work.

2. Materials and Methods

This research agrees with ASTM guidelines:

ASTM C-778 Standard Specification for Standard Sand.

ASTM C109/C109M-08 Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of

Hydraulic Cement Mortars.

ASTM C 1437 Standard Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar.

ASTM C191-08 Standard Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by
Vicat Needle

ASTM C266-08 Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic-Cement Paste
by Gillmore Needles.

ASTM C1403 Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption if Masonry
Mortars.

Test by Abrams cone.

ASTM C177-10 Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and
Thermal Transmission Properties using the Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus.

2.1 Mortar formulation

The preparation of fresh mortars was 1:2.75 parts of cement CPC 40 and sand according to
ASTM C-778. There is an inclusion of PMMA microspheres from 0% to 40% by volume.
This limit of 40% by volume is about the workability of the mortar because a higher content
produces an inappropriate consistency, and it became unworkable as a layer. Mortar
preparation assures the aggregate uniformly admixed bonding the cementitious material and
the other comparatively weightier ingredients of the mortar mix.

Table 1. Percentages of Sand + Cement + PMMA according to the total addition of the
mixture.
Proportion (m3)
PMMA
PMM
microspheres Cement
Sand
A

volume (m3)
Cement

Sand

weight (kg)
PMMA

Cem
ent

Sand

PMM
A

0%

2.750

0.000 0.000850 0.002338 0.000000 2.55

6.194

0.000

10%

2.475

0.275 0.000850 0.002104 0.000234 2.55

5.575

0.028

20%

2.200

0.550 0.000850 0.001870 0.000468 2.55

4.956

0.056

30%

1.925

0.825 0.000850 0.001636 0.000701 2.55

4.337

0.084

40%

1.650

1.100 0.000850 0.001403 0.000935 2.55

3.717

0.112

2.2 Characterization
2.2.1 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
The morphology and topology of samples analyze by scanning electron microscopy using a
JEOL JSM 5600, accelerating voltage 20 kV, and secondary electron images recorded. A thin
gold is covering by sputtering to the sample surface, to prevent electrostatic charge
accumulation.
2.2.2 Compressive Strength Test
Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars ASTM C109
/C109M-08. This test method agrees with the measurement of the compressive strength of
hydraulic cement mortars using 50 mm cube specimens.
2.2.3 Water Absorption of Masonry Mortars
Standard Test Method for Rate of Water Absorption if Masonry Mortars ASTM C1403. This
test method provides a standardized laboratory procedure for determining the relative water
absorption by capillary uptake (wicking) characteristics of masonry mortars.
2.2.4 Flow of fresh mortar
Standard Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar ASTM C 1437. This test method
determines the flow of hydraulic cement mortars, and of mortars containing cementitious
materials other than hydraulic cement.
2.2.5 Time of setting by Vicat apparatus method
Standard Test Methods for Time of Setting of Hydraulic Cement by Vicat Needle ASTM
C191-08. These test methods determine the time of setting of hydraulic cement using the
Vicat needle. Two test methods used; Method A is the Reference Test Method using the
manually operated standard Vicat apparatus done in this research.
2.2.6 Time of setting by Gillmore Needles method
Standard Test Method for Time of Setting of Hydraulic-Cement Paste by Gillmore Needles
ASTM C266-08. This test method covers the determination of the time of setting of hydraulic
cement paste using the Gillmore needles.
2.2.7 Thermal conductivity
Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission
Properties using the Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus ASTM C177-10. This test method sets
forth the general design requirements necessary to construct and operate a suitable guarded-

hot-plate apparatus. It covers a wide variety of apparatus' constructions, test conditions, and
operating conditions. Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus Description: sample of light-weighted
mortar. Features: Material not - homogeneous 19.00 mm thick. Dimensions: rigid plates of
19.0 mm thickness and 200 mm diameter. Temperature test from 18 to 30 C. Plates
Orientation: Horizontal. Mode of operation: double-sided measurement. Technique: Guarded
Hot Plate Apparatus. Power dissipation during test 21.50 W; hot plate temperature 31.4 C;
cold plate temperature 15.3 C; ambient temperature 22.7 C; relative humidity 70%.

3. Results and discussion

3.1 Scanning Electron Microscopy

Figure 1 shows the morphology and dimensions of the polymer microspheres. These spheres
have different diameter sizes from 15 to 140 m. It is also evident that the spheres are hollow.
Each microsphere made of a thin PMMA shell and had a small air volume. This structure makes
this material extremely light and reduces the mortar density by the production of multiple small
air cells, which also increase the thermal conductivity resistance, making the material a
comparable to well-known traditional mixtures as an insulator. Several cement particles added
during the microsphere synthesis process improve the adhesiveness with the mortar
constituents. Figure 1 also demonstrates the key aspect of cement particles scarcely adhered to
microspheres surface, improving the physical response of the interphases of the admixture.

Figure 1. SEM Micrographs from PMMA microspheres with cement particles.

Figure 2 shows the mortar matrix appearance obtained after the compression test of the
samples; some microspheres are broken and look deflated because collapsed due to the
compressive test. The spreading of the microspheres of various diameters is heterogeneous,
contributing to a more efficient development of the mixture. Dispersion of microspheres is
significant depending on the volume of the sand-cement mixture improving the mortar
thermal properties, including air inside.

Figure 2. Mortar bulk after the compressive test.

3.2 Compressive Strength Test

Samples preparation was according to the established regulation in Standard Test Method for
Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars ASTM C109/C109M-08. PMMA
microspheres added in different percentages from 0% through 40% by volume according to
ASTM compressive strength parameters and using a proportion 1:2.75 of silica sand according
to ASTM C778. Key information about the quality come from the compression tests shown in
Figure 3. The main contribution of this research is the formulation of lightweight mortar
improved by PMMA microspheres with better thermal insulation properties lengthwise with
the lowest decrement in compressive strength.

Figure 3. Compression experiment on the test cubes according to guideline ASTM C109,
including PMMA microspheres from 0 to 40%, test age 7 and 28 days.

The results show an inversely proportional relation between the percentage of added
microspheres and the magnitude of the compression strength, for which the ultimate will be
the maximum percentage of added PMMA that will allow an appropriate workability and at
least the minimum compression strength specified by ASTM directive. The optimal ratio
results at 40% content of PMMA microspheres and 8 Mpa compression strength, at 28 day's
test.

3.3 Water absorption

Water absorption according to regulation ASTM C1403 Standard Test Method for Rate of
Water Absorption in Masonry Mortars.
Water absorption in mortars provides an approximate prediction of how the material will
respond as mortar. Water absorbing capacity will affect the structure and in some cases the
resistance of the masonry. The results of the absorption tests showed a relation inversely
proportional to PMMA content and water absorption showing in Figure 4. It was manifest that
the PMMA microspheres produce certain hydrophobic properties to the mortar. Taking into
consideration this last statement, formerly the water absorption shows an almost marked

propensity at small percentages of microspheres, then decreasing because of the fluidity

properties increment, originated by the water reduction effect of growing of PMMA
microspheres content.

Figure 4. Water absorption in mortar samples.

3.4 Flow of fresh mortar

The fluency test analyzes the property that allows mixtures be flowing and filling gaps; they
can become self-leveling without the need for vibrating equipment. Distinguishes this
material from other employees to fill. A good flow gets when no significant segregation
occurs, and the material extends at least 200 mm in diameter. Fillings fluids must not have
properly designed segregations, exudates, and volume shrinkage. On this last point, some
have a slight expansion after hardened. The laboratory data appears in Table 2 and Figure 5.
Small proportions of microspheres increase the flow while decreasing at higher rates.

Table 2. The flow of fresh mortar by percentage of polymeric microspheres aggregated.

PMMA microspheres
Diameter
%
(flow test) cm
00

20.620

10

22.250

20

24.550

30

23.050

40

22.250

50

19.920

60

18.025

Figure 5. Test flow of fresh mortar mixture according to ASTM C 1437.

3.5 Time of setting by Vicat apparatus method

The assessment consists of preparing a mixture with a previously calculated water content.
The mortar is into the mold and using a probe that falls by gravity, setting time is calculated.
Curing time may vary depending on the temperature and humidity of the external
environment. The results seem in Table 3.

10

Table 3. Time of setting by Vicat apparatus.

PMMA microspheres Setting time
%
(minutes)
0

269

10

251

20

244

30

239

40

233

50

228

60

215

3.6 Setting time by Gillmore Needles method

Under the conditions of work, the workability time is shorter than the setting time obtained in
laboratories because environmental circumstances. Indeed, this essay is finding the time in
minutes during which the mortar is pliable before hardening to a level that makes placing too
difficult or impossible. Gillmore needles support the results obtained using the Vicat
apparatus to the final setting time; however, the data also get initial setting time. The results
seem in Table 4.

Table 4. Setting time by Gillmore Needles method.

PMMA microspheres Initial setting time Final setting time
%
(minutes)
(minutes)
0

140

260

10

130

255

20

130

250

30

125

240

40

125

220

50

120

215

60

120

215

11

3.7 Thermal conductivity and thermal resistance

The thermal conductivity accomplished according to ASTM C177 - 10 Standard Test Method
for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties using the
Guarded Hot Plate Apparatus. Results in Table 5 show an increment of the thermal resistance
of the material. The greatest thermal resistance increment was about 50% compared to a
material with no PMMA microspheres added. This increment in the thermal resistance is the
key result of this research, and will have a direct impact on the sustainability of construction
where this type of materials used since this material will contribute to saving energy and
reduce the contribution of 'greenhouse' gas emissions. This PMMA based material is a costeffective strategy for limiting global warming.

Table 5. Thermal measurements.

Results thermal conductivity and thermal resistance
PMMA microspheres %

10

20

30

40

Apparent thermal conductivity W/K m 0.580 0.522 0.476 0.415 0.365

Thermal resistance K m2/W

0.033 0.037 0.041 0.045 0.047

Expanded uncertainty (k=2) %

4. Conclusions
The increase of PMMA microspheres transforms the mortar decreasing its density while
modifying its mechanical properties, workability, and air content. The material is comparable
to lightweight mortars prepared with other traditional materials. The results obtained by
mixing cement with different ratio of aggregate and PMMA microspheres show noteworthy
good thermal properties. On the other hand, decreasing compressive strength of the optimal
formulation is according to ASTM guidelines, with good compatibility in the case of study.
The microspheres also provide a hydrophobic property to the mortar. The linkage of cement
particles to the surface during microspheres synthesis is key for adhesion to the mortar bulk.
The microspheres decrease the density by the inclusion of micro-air bubbles in the mortar bulk.
Therefore, the air inclusion reduces significantly the thermal conductivity increasing thermal

12

insulation. The enhanced thermal efficiency effect of PMMA microspheres embedded in this

original lightweight mortar contribute to keeping more stable temperatures.

Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge to PROINSA for support this work.

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