3.2.1. Air entrainment versus compressive strength
The main goal of this study is to investigate the impact of
water-soluble polymers on the microstructure formation. Therefore,
the mortar composition and mixing procedure are not optimized
with respect to the mechanical properties. In general,
polymer film formation has only a minor effect on the compressive
strength [15]. The compressive strength of polymer modified mortars
is usually lower than that of unmodified mortars, because of
the higher air entrainment, which masks possible strengthening
of the hydrated cement matrix.