Advantages and Types of Polymer Concrete

Polymer Concrete

Polymer concrete may be a new concrete produced with OPC concrete cured and impregnated with liquid or vaporous compound (Methyl methacrylate monomer) and polymerized by gamma ray 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 heat by evacuations and absorbing the monomer under limited pressure. There are 3 differing types of polymer concrete which are discussed during this article.

Advantages

1. It's high impact resistance and high compressive strength.
2. This concrete is very durable.
3. Polymer concrete is very immune to freezing and thawing.
4. Highly immune to chemical attack and abrasion.
5. Permeability is less than other conventional concrete.

Types

Polymer Impregnated Concrete

This concrete is produced from hydraulic cement by impregnated with monomer and subsequently polymerized in place .

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

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

Polymer Cement Concrete

This concrete is produced by integrating an emulsion of polymer or monomer in hydraulic cement concrete. The ingredient consisting of cement, aggregates, and monomer is mixed with water and therefore the monomer is polymerized after placing the concrete into forms. This concrete are often utilized in marine works.

Advantages

1. Improved workability, strength, and adhesion.
2. Chemical resistance, impact resistance, and abrasion resistance.
3. Increased permeability and reduced absorption.

Polymer Concrete

In this type, polymer or monomer is employed as a binder rather than cement. The monomer is mixed with aggregates then polymerized after placing the concrete in position.

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