Polymer Concrete – Types, Advantages And Application


What Is Polymer Concrete?

Polymer concrete is a new concrete produced with OPC concrete cured and impregnated with liquid or vaporous chemical compound (Methyl methacrylate monomer) and polymerized by gamma radiation or with chemical initiated implies, i.e by utilizing thermal catalytic method (Adding 3% Benzoyl peroxide) to the monomer as a catalyst.

The impregnation is helped by drying the concrete at an extreme temperature by evacuations and absorbing the monomer under limited pressure. There are 3 different types of polymer concrete which are discussed in this article.

polymer concrete

Advantages:

1. It has high impact resistance and high compressive strength.

2. This concrete is highly durable.

3. Polymer concrete is highly resistant to freezing and thawing.

4. Highly resistant to chemical attack and abrasion.

5. Permeability is lower than other conventional concrete.

Types Of Polymer Concrete:

1. Polymer Impregnated Concrete (PIC):

This concrete is produced from portland cement by impregnated with monomer and subsequently polymerized in situ. 

First, the cement concrete is cast and cured normally and then the concrete product gets hardened and dried, air from its voids is removed under partial vacuum and a low viscosity monomer is diffused through the pores of the concrete.

The concrete then finally undergoes polymerization by radiation or heat therapy.  This concrete is used in precast slabs for bridge decks, marine structures, roads, kerb stones, food processing buildings, etc.

2. Polymer Cement Concrete (PCC):

This concrete is produced by integrating an emulsion of polymer or monomer in portland cement concrete. The ingredient consisting of cement, aggregates, and monomer is mixed with water and the monomer is polymerized after placing the concrete into forms. This concrete can be used in marine works.

Advantages:

i) Improved workability, strength, and adhesion.

ii) Chemical resistance, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance.

iii) Increased permeability and reduced absorption.

3. Polymer Concrete (PC):

In this type, polymer or monomer is used as a binder instead of cement. The monomer is mixed with aggregates and then polymerized after placing the concrete in position.

However heating is required while mixing the aggregates with monomer, This concrete is a good dielectric material and can be used for the construction of irrigation works.

Application:

Polymer concrete is broadly utilizing in

  • Nuclear power plants.
  • Kerbstones.
  • Prefabricated structural element.
  • Precast slabs for bridge decks.
  • Roads.
  • Marine Works.
  • Prestressed concrete.
  • Irrigation works.
  • Sewage works.
  • Waterproofing of buildings.
  • Food processing buildings etc.

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