Epoxy Composites Filled with Gypsum (Alabaster G-5): Possible Ways for Strengthening, Stabilization, and Structuration

Strength and chemical resistance of composites based on epoxy resins, filled with gypsum in the original and water­hardened forms

“…A series of promising gypsum epoxy polymers have been developed, described in several earlier published papers [3][4][5][6]. Thus, according to [3], the introduction of G-5 gypsum in the amount of 10-75 % by weight makes it possible to obtain composites with acceptable strength and durability; at the same time, certain characteristics considerably improve (adhesion to steel, resistance to organic solvents).…”

“…Thus, according to [3], the introduction of G-5 gypsum in the amount of 10-75 % by weight makes it possible to obtain composites with acceptable strength and durability; at the same time, certain characteristics considerably improve (adhesion to steel, resistance to organic solvents). Work [4] investigated the effect of gypsum at a practically convenient ratio of the filler to the epoxy composition of 1:1 (50 % by weight of gypsum): it is shown that the filler is able to increase the strength and elasticity of the composite, its resistance against aggressive environments. Paper [5] reports the results of the G-5 gypsum effect over a wide interval of concentrations, the analysis of destruction diagrams during compression tests, and microphotographs of composites.…”

“…This approach was implemented in the industry of bulk floors. There, as you know, the introduction of the epoxy component makes it possible to reduce the minimum allowable thickness of the coating by an order of magnitudefrom 8-10 to 1 cm [1][2][3][4][5]. The introduction of a large amount of filler (up to 85 %) makes it possible to drastically reduce the ratio of linear expansion of the coating, bringing it closer to the corresponding indicator for the base made from an inorganic binder (gypsum, concrete, etc.)…”

“…This is quite possible in the case of the use of epoxy resin as such a matrix. It is known [3][4][5][6] that epoxy resin is not water-soluble, so water impurities have an undesirable effect in the process of polymerization, leading, in particular, to the clouding and loss of mechanical properties of the polymer. The presence of gypsum-alabaster (binding such water) in resin can become an additional stimulant to enhance the epoxy polymer composite.…”