Polymer concrete is a special building material that is used as a bonding element, as well as for the replacement of lime cement. In some cases, the polymer is used as an addition to Portland cement. It is a universal durable composite material 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 industry.
Kinds
In construction, three types of polymer concrete are used. Next, we consider in more detail their manufacturing technology, scope and compositions in order to have a general idea of polymer concrete and their modifications.
Polymer compositions for concrete (polymer modified concrete)
This type of concrete is made of a Portland cement material with a modified polymer, such as acrylic, polyvinyl acetate and ethylene vinyl acetate. It has good adhesion, high flexural 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 higher density than pure cement. However, its structural integrity substantially depends on the Portland cement binder.
Concrete degradation may 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 environment.
Polymer-impregnated concrete
Polymer impregnation for concrete is usually done by incorporating low density monomer into hydrated Portland cement, followed by radiation or thermal catalytic polymerization. The modular elasticity of this type of concrete is 50-100% higher than normal.
However, the polymer modulus is 10% greater than that of normal concrete. Due to these excellent characteristics, among the many applications of polymer building material, production can be separately noted:
- decks;
- bridges;
- pipes;
- floor tiles;
- building laminate.
The technology of the implementation process involves drying concrete to remove moisture from its surface, using monomers in a thin layer of sand, and then polymerizing the monomers using heat flow. Therefore, concrete surfaces have lower water permeability, absorption, abrasion resistance and, as a rule, high strength. Also, to increase wear resistance, resistance to cold and moisture, polymer varnishes are used for concrete, brick, stone, floors, etc.
Polymer concrete
It has nothing to do with the usual Portland cement for us. Formed by a combination of stones with a polymeric binder material 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 regarded as a polymer. Sulfur concrete is used for buildings requiring high resistance to acidic conditions. Thermoplastic polymers, but most 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 silicon dioxide, quartz, granite, limestone and other high-quality materials. The unit must be of good quality, free of dust, debris and excessive moisture. Failure to comply with these criteria may reduce the bond strength between the polymer binder and the aggregate.
Features of polymer concrete
Modern building material is different 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.
- It perfectly absorbs noise and vibration.
- Good weathering and UV resistance.
- Water absorption.
- It can be cut using drills and grinding machines.
- It can be processed as crushed stone or crushed for use as the basis of the road.
- About 4 times stronger than cement concrete.
- Good thermal insulation properties and stability.
- Ultra-smooth finish that contributes to efficient hydraulic flow.
Using
Polymer concrete can be used for new construction or repair of old material. Its adhesive properties make it possible to restore both polymer and ordinary cement-based concrete. Low permeability and corrosion resistance allow it to be used in swimming pools, sewage systems, drainage channels, electrolytic cells and other structures containing liquids or aggressive chemicals. It is suitable for building and rebuilding wells, thanks to its ability to withstand toxic and corrosive sewer 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. It is used in the construction of barriers on the road, sidewalks, drainage ditches, fountains. Also on the street, a
polymer coating for concrete is added to the asphalt during the construction of open areas, runways and other objects that are in the open and are constantly exposed to external atmospheric influences.
Reviews
Polymer concrete was not widely accepted due to the 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 ordinary concrete, there are opinions about hidden negative environmental factors that often occur due to improper production, use of low-quality components and violation of proportions.
Also, the technology of production of polymer concrete has many nuances and secrets that no one seeks to disclose. And of course, as noted by the reviews, 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.