Experimental study on the free shrinkage of lightweight polymer concrete incorporating waste rubber powder and ceramsite

This study aims to develop a novel, low-shrinkage, and lightweight polymer concrete (LWPC) with high-temperature resistance that is adopted in the anticorrosion of wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD). The effect of ceramsite and waste rubber powder (WRP) content (0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5% of binder) on the free shrinkage, compressive and flexural strength, and microstructure of polymer concrete (PC) was investigated. The test results indicated that the free shrinkage of PC with ceramsite used as an aggregate is significantly lower than that of crushed stone. Besides, the free shrinkage of LWPC is decreased nonlinearly, and the efficiency of WRP is weakened while the WRP content is increased. It was also observed that WRP deferred the curing process of LWPC. In addition, although the compressive and flexural strength of PC with ceramsite is lower than that with crushed stone, the strength remains acceptable for engineering requirements. Therefore, the application of LWPC with high-temperature resistance can greatly prolong the service life of anticorrosion material in WFGD.