POLYMER CONCRETE

Polymer concrete may be used for new construction or repairing of old concrete. The adhesive properties of polymer concrete allow repair of both polymer and conventional cement-based concretes. Disadvantages of Polymer Concrete Polymer concrete is very expensive than a conventional concrete. Polymer concrete needs high skill and precise work while mixing. Improper proportioning of two-component materials can occur; thus, the proper mix design is required. Polymer concrete is prepared by mixing a polymeric resin with aggregate mixture. Microfillers are also employed sometimes to fill the voids contained in the aggregate mixture. ], and gravel are some of the materials reported by various authors. SikaTop®-144 is a polymer-modified, two-component, cementitious coating. Designed for use on concrete, mortar, and masonry substrates. Easily applied by brush, roller, or spray equipment. This fine-textured, abrasion resistant coating is used for protection against deicing salts and for damp-proofing/waterproofing. There are 3 principal classes of polymers – thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers. Differentiation between these classes is best defined by their behaviour under applied heat. Thermoplastic polymers can be either amorphous or crystalline. They behave in a relatively ductile manner but often have low strength. Synthetic polymers are human-made polymers. They can be classified into four main categories: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and synthetic fibers. Physical properties of polymers include molecular weight, molar volume, density, degree of polymerization, crystallinity of material, and so on. Polymers fall into two categories: thermosetting plastic or thermoset. thermoforming plastic or thermoplastic. Specifications of Polymer Concrete: Material Density Compressive Strength Urea Formaldehyde Polymer Concrete 2260 kg/m3 37 MPa (5,400 psi) Polyester concrete 2050 kg/m3 95 MPa (13,800 psi) Polymer concrete is used in specialized construction projects where there is a need to resistant several types of corrosion and is supported to have durability i.e. to last-long. It can be used similarly to ordinary concrete. Polymer concrete is used in the followings works, Repair to corrosion damaged concrete Prestressed concrete Nuclear power plants Electrical or industrial construction Marine works Prefabricated structural components like acid tanks, manholes, drains, highway median barriers, and so forth. Waterproofing of structures Sewage works and desalination plants