Influence of EVA Copolymer Latex on Cement Hydration and Microstructures of Modifed Mortars

This article deals with the effect of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) on cement hydration and microstructures of modified mortars. Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) and chemically bound water are investigated to characterize cement hydration of modified mortars. The addition of EVA decreases the cement hydration before 7 day, and increases cement hydration after 7 day. Cement hydration of EVA-modified mortar is close to pure cement mortar at 28 day. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses show that cement particles are encased by the EVA at early age, which prevents the cement hydration. Hydration products generate in large quantities, and polymer film crosslinks with calcium silicate hydration (C-S-H) after 28 day.