Preparation and properties of a core-shell styrene-acrylic copolymer modified adhesion mortar using iron tailings as the aggregate

In this paper, the core-shell poly (styrene-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) copolymer was synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. The microstructure of the polymer was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectrum, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the laser particle size analyzer. Using it as the modifier, iron tailings as the aggregate and eco-cement as the cementing material, a new adhesion mortar was prepared. Results showed that the core-shell cross-linked poly (styrene-hydroxyehyl methacrylate) could substantially improve the modified-mortar’s bond strength compared to the mortar with commercial EVA as the modifier. SEM images of the modified mortar illustrated that the polymer may have three effects: (1) partially obstructing the fine pore network inside of hydrates; (2) filling the large pores; and (3) forming membranes. All these effects improve the mortar’s adhesion properties combinedly.