Recent developments in macro-defect-free (MDF) cements

S. Donatello, M. Tyrer, C. R. Cheeseman

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

44 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

During the early 1980s macro-defect-free (MDF) cements were developed which had properties complimentary to those of conventional ceramics, plastics and metals. The research completed on MDF cements, and particularly the polyvinyl-alcohol/calcium aluminate cement (PVA/CAC) system has been reviewed and the advantages, limitations and potential applications of MDF cements are outlined. The microstructural features of the PVA-CAC MDF systems and the influence this has on physical properties such as flexural strength and moisture resistance are discussed. Possible solutions to the poor moisture resistance of MDF cements are examined critically and alternatives to PVA-CAC described. The recent development of calcium aluminate phenol resin (CAPR) MDF cements that have particularly promising properties is presented. MDF cement technology has the potential to produce more sustainable materials that can compete with ceramics, plastics and metals in a range of applications and key research issues that need to be addressed if MDF cements are to become commercially viable are highlighted.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1761-1767
Number of pages7
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume23
Issue number5
Early online date29 Oct 2008
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Calcium aluminate cement
  • High strength
  • Macro-defect-free
  • Moisture resistance
  • Polyvinyl alcohol

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science

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