However, where the latex in the modified matrix is relatively
small, hydration process may easily drain the water around the latex
molecules since the moisture around the molecules should be
proportional to its contents. This might serve as an opportunity
for the latex particles to effectively block the passage of external
moisture and possibility contribute to the strength also. To this respect,
MC-1.5% is of the outmost advantage and this could be the
key factor towards its strength increase after 56 days of immersion.
Indeed, during the third month, strength development in MC-1.5%
was 33.7% as against 15.1% in NC. Meanwhile, positive strength
development in the other modifications; MC-5% and MC-10%
may be registered when the moisture surrounding the larger contents
of latex in these mixes are drained through cement hydration
or air curing. In fact, the little increase in MC-5% during the final
curing period could be a testimony to this hypothesis.