Differential thermal studies of polymethyl methacrylate-impregnated cement pastes

Differential thermal curves have been obtained for two polymethyl methacrylate-impregnated cement pastes prepared at a water/cement ratio of 0.37 and 0.70. Complex thermal effects, including a substantial decrease in the endothermal peak for Ca(OH)₂ decomposition, were observed in samples heated in air. These effects originate in the portland cement paste, in the polymer, and from interactions between the polymer and the hydrated cement during heating. Less complex effects resulted when DTA was carried out in N₂. There was no evidence of a reaction between the hydrated cement and PMMA during impregnation.