The latex-film in its entity has demonstrated a fine-grain textured
membrane as shown in Fig. 2d. In its liquid state, NRL mainly
consists of a dispersion of poly 1–4 isoprene particles. However, as
the dispersed medium which is normally water, drains away,
inter-particle spacing diminishes until coalesceness is achieved,
thereby resulting into a continuous film. However, when added into
concrete in small quantities a continuous film may not be achieved,
rather a cluster of the isoprene particles may be present in capillary
pores and voids. This is manifested in NM-10% where the previously
observed larger and deeper voids inNMappeared to become smaller
and shallow without a continuous bridging across the cement and
aggregate particles. Meanwhile, denser features exhibited by the
modified mixes have indicated suitable qualities for raising level
of restriction to fluid flow into and within these phases. Thus, the latex
performs its action by blocking the access of the moisture which
normally transports the chemical agents into the concrete matrix.