Introduction
- Polymer Concrete is a material made up of different types of aggregates adhered by polyester resins. This material is a lightweight in nature, and its practically zero percentage of water absorption guarantees complete water tightness.
- Polymer concrete is a versatile, durable, composite material produced by mixing a variety of mineral fillers with a natural resin binding agent.
Types of Polymer Concrete
- Latex-Modified Concrete (LMC): It also known as Polymer Portland Cement Concrete. Conventional concrete made by replacing part of mixing water with a latex.
- Polymer Impregnated Concrete (PIC): It produced by impregnating or infiltrating a hardened concrete with a monomer and subsequently polymerizing the monomer in situ.
- Polymer Concrete (PC): It formed by polymerizing a mixture of a monomer and aggregate.
Significance
- Depending upon the materials employed, PC can develop compressive strengths of the order of 140 MPa within hours or even minutes.
- LMC possess excellent bonding ability to old concrete, and high durability to aggressive solutions; it has therefore been used mainly for overlays in industrial floors, and for rehabilitation of deteriorated bridge decks.
- In the case of PIC, by effectively sealing the micro cracks and capillary pores.
Properties of PC
- Commercial products are available with a variety of formulations, some capable of hardening to 105MPa (15,000 psi) within a few minutes without thermal treatment.
- Epoxy resins are higher in cost but offer advantages such as adhesion to wet surfaces.
- Styrene monomer, and methyl methacrylate with benzoyl peroxide catalyst and an amine promoter are often used.
Material Features
- High resistance to chemical and biological attack.
- Lightweight compared to cement concrete products.
- Excellent noise and vibration absorption.
- Excellent dielectric properties.
- Good weathering and UV resistance.
- Zero water absorption.
- Can be cut with masonry drills and grinders.
- Approximately 4 times the flexural strength of cement concrete.
- Good thermal properties and stability.
- Ultra smooth finish which encourages efficient hydraulic flow.
Benefits of Polymer Concrete
- Strength
- Durability
- Fire and heat resistance
- Lower absorbency
- Less chalking in outdoor exposure
- Chemical resistance
- Abrasion resistance
- Temperature stability
- Mold ability
- Machinability
Applications
- Used for pump bases, flooring blocks, chemical containment, trenches drains and more.
- Solid surface countertops for modern kitchens and baths.
- With its decorative finishes and excellent resilience, polymer concrete is ideal for many ornamental applications including park benches, outdoor furniture, and waste containers.
- Commonly used in areas subject to heavy wear and high loadings such as car parks, roadways and industrial areas.