Rheological Optimization of Polyester Resin-calcite Mortars for Tailored Structural Crack Repair

Ricardo Martínez *

Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n Ciudad Universitaria, CP.76010, Querétaro, Qro, México.

Juan Bosco Hernandez

Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n Ciudad Universitaria, CP.76010, Querétaro, Qro, México.

Teresa López

Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n Ciudad Universitaria, CP.76010, Querétaro, Qro, México.

Jaime Horta

Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Cerro de las Campanas s/n Ciudad Universitaria, CP.76010, Querétaro, Qro, México.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the rheological performance and fresh-state workability of a repair mortar formulated using polyester resin and calcite filler, and to establish a precise correlation between the filler-to-binder ratio and the mortar’s suitability for various structural crack applications. An experimental design focusing on systematic variations in filler dosage (Resin/Calcite ratios ranging from 50/50 to 30/70) was utilized to characterize the material’s flowability limits and workability thresholds. The mixtures were prepared using a precision balance (± 0.01 g) with Polyester Resin (PP 70*60) and calcite, activated by the Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP) catalyst. Flowability was quantitatively assessed using a scaled cone method adapted from ASTM C1437/C1437M. Fluidity exhibited a clear inverse correlation with the calcite content, ranging from a 100% overflow benchmark (50R-50C) to a critical non-workable limit established at the 70% calcite proportion. In conclusion, the established correlation provides a direct framework for the structural engineer to formulate application-specific mortar dosages, optimizing workability to match crack geometry and orientation, thereby minimizing the use of external formwork and ensuring the complete, durable sealing of structural defects in both horizontal and overhead placements.

Keywords: Crack repair, mortar, calcite, polyester resin, fluidity


How to Cite

Martínez, Ricardo, Juan Bosco Hernandez, Teresa López, and Jaime Horta. 2025. “Rheological Optimization of Polyester Resin-Calcite Mortars for Tailored Structural Crack Repair”. Journal of Materials Science Research and Reviews 8 (4):1007-18. https://doi.org/10.9734/jmsrr/2025/v8i4455.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.