Polymer concrete: composition, types, features, application technology and reviews

Polymer concrete is a special building material that is used as a binding element, as well as for the replacement of lime cements. In some cases, the polymer is used as a supplement to Portland cement. It is a universal long-lived composite substance obtained by mixing various mineral fillers with synthetic or natural astringents. This advanced technical material is used in many industries, but is most common in the construction sector.

Kinds

In construction, three types of polymer concrete are used. Further, we will take a closer look at their manufacturing technology, scope and compositions in order to have a general idea of polymer concrete and their modifications.

Polymeric compositions for concrete (polymer modified concrete)

Such a variety of concrete is made of Portland cement with a modified polymer, such as acrylic, polyvinyl acetate and ethylene vinyl acetate. It has good adhesion, high bending strength and low permeability.

Acrylic polymer modified concrete is characterized by a persistent color, which is why it is in great demand among builders and architects. Its chemical modification is similar to the traditional cement variation. The amount of polymer is usually from 10 to 20%. Concrete modified in this way has a lower degree of permeability and a higher density than pure cement. However, its structural integrity essentially depends on the binding agent of Portland cement.

The degradation of concrete can take longer if it has a high density and a smaller surface area. A relative improvement in the chemical resistance of the polymer-modified material to Portland cement is possible in an acidic medium.

Polymer impregnated concrete

Polymeric impregnation for concrete is typically done by incorporating a low density monomer into the hydrated Portland cement, followed by radiation or thermal catalytic polymerization. The modular elasticity of this type of concrete is 50-100% higher than that of conventional concrete.

However, the polymer module is 10% larger than that of a normal concrete. Due to these excellent characteristics, among the many applications of polymer building material, we can separately mention the production:

• Decks;
• Bridges;
• Pipes;
• Floor tiles;
• Building laminate.

The technology of the implantation process involves drying the concrete to remove moisture from its surface, using monomers in a thin layer of sand, and then polymerizing the monomers using heat flow. Consequently, concrete surfaces have a lower water permeability, absorption, abrasion resistance and, as a rule, high strength. Also, to improve wear resistance, resistance to cold and moisture, polymeric varnishes for concrete, brick, stone, floors, etc. are used.

Polymer concrete

It has nothing to do with the usual portland cement. It is formed by a combination of stones with a polymeric binder that does not contain water. Polystyrene, acrylic and epoxy resins are monomers that are widely used in the manufacture of this type of concrete. Sulfur is also considered a polymer. Serobeton is used for buildings that require high resistance to acidic environments. Thermoplastic polymers, but more often thermosetting resins, are used as the main polymer component because of their high thermal stability and resistance to a wide range of chemicals.

Polymer concrete consists of aggregates that include silica, quartz, granite, limestone and other high-quality materials. The unit must be of good quality, free from dust, debris and excessive moisture. Failure to comply with these criteria may reduce the strength of the bond between the polymer binder and the aggregate.

Features of polymer concrete

Modern building material differs from its predecessors. It has the following characteristics:

• High resistance to chemical and biological environments.
• Compared with cement-concrete products, it has a lower mass.
• Excellent absorption of noise and vibration.
• Good weathering and resistance to ultraviolet radiation.
• Absorption of water.
• Can be cut using drills and grinders.
• Can be recycled as crushed stone or ground to be used as a road foundation.
• Approximately 4 times stronger than cement concrete.
• Good thermal insulation properties and stability.
• Ultra-smooth finish, which contributes to an efficient hydraulic flow.

Using

Polymerconcrete can be used for new construction or repair of old material. Its adhesion properties allow the recovery of both polymer and conventional concrete on a cement base. Low permeability and corrosion resistance can be used in swimming pools, sewage systems, drainage channels, electrolytic cells and other structures containing liquids or aggressive chemicals. It is suitable for the construction and restoration of wells, thanks to its ability to withstand the toxic and corrosive sewage gases and bacteria commonly found in plumbing systems.

Unlike traditional concrete structures, it does not require coating or welding of protected PVC joints. You can see the use of polymer concrete on the streets of the city. It is used in the construction of barriers on the road, sidewalks, drainage ditches, fountains. Also on the street polymer coating for concrete is added to the asphalt when building open areas, runways and other objects that are under the open sky and are constantly exposed to external atmospheric influences.

Reviews

Polymer concrete was not widely adopted because of high costs and difficulties associated with traditional production technologies. However, recent progress has led to a significant reduction in costs, which means that its use is gradually becoming more common. Despite all its advantages over conventional concrete, there are opinions about hidden negative environmental factors that often occur due to improper production, use of substandard components and disruption of proportions.

Also, the technology of polymer concrete production has many nuances and secrets that nobody wants to disclose. And of course, as the reviews say, the market price of polymer concrete is quite high. This is due to the difficulties of its production and expensive components that are used to create it.