Tire rubber-cement composites prepared with type I and three slag-modified cements were studied. Flexural strength, water sorption and resistance to acid attack of specimens were investigated. A decrease in modulus of rupture (MOR) is observed for all specimens containing rubber, when compared with specimens without rubber (controls). The MOR increases with the increase of the hydraulic activity of the slag upon undistinguishable from specimens prepared with type I cement. This behavior is observed for all slag-cements pastes and for mortars control specimens. For mortar specimens with rubber the MOR is independent of the cement type used. A reduction in water sorption is observed for control and with-rubber mortar specimens prepared with all slag-cements, when compared to type I cement. For mortar specimens with rubber, the lower the basicity of the slag, the lesser the water sorption of the composites. These results denote lower porosity and consequently better rubber-matrix adhesion for these specimens. Also, a smaller rate of water sorption is observed for specimens with rubber, particularly for specimens prepared with the less basic slag cements, when comparing with the controls. Results of acid attack to the slag modified mortars indicate that specimen susceptibility is governed not only by microstructural aspects, like porosity and permeability, but also by chemical aspects as the difference in alkali content or the amount of unreacted slag in the specimens.
tire rubber-cement composites; granulated blast-furnace slag; transport properties; mechanical properties
