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.