Polymer Concrete has been present in the world for a while now, but it has gained popularity over the past few decades. It has been revolutionizing the world of construction and design like no other. This radical material usually combines conventional cement and aggregate material along with the infusion of synthetic polymers. This triple blend creates a more durable and resilient texture than regular concrete.
Due to its versatile use in residential, commercial, and industrial projects, it has become increasingly favoured across the world. There is no limit to what this remarkable material can do, from bridges to countertops and even sculptures!
Historical Perspective
The history of polymer concrete is a fascinating one that spans numerous decades. This modified type of concrete was developed in the 1950s to overcome the loopholes in the conventional type. The former type had several drawbacks, including low tensile strength and poor resistance to chemical corrosion. Initially, polymer concrete was being used in building cladding. After that, it was employed in bonding for the steel fortification. Due to its high curing rate at ambient temperature, it achieves its strength fast.
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Over time, the manufacturing and use of polymer concrete have grown swiftly. Today, it is ruling the market due to its wide range of benefits. For instance, it has high compressive and flexural strength. These properties make it ideal for use in high-stress applications such as bridge columns and industrial floors. Besides, polymer concrete can easily survive chemical encounters and other environmental strains like temperature changes and freeze-thaw cycles.
Applications of Polymer Concrete
It is used almost in all types of construction projects. Where there is a need for more resilience and durability, polymer concrete outperforms. Overall, its applications are comparable to regular concrete. Users can utilize it for the following projects.
- For repairing the already existing damages in structures.
- For industrial as well as electrical construction.
- In prestressing concrete
- In nuclear power plants
- To construct drainage systems
- In desalination plants
- For marine works
- To waterproof prefabricated structures
- For making industrial tanks, manhole drains, and much more!
Besides, multiple companies can introduce you to the best quality and help you choose your resin type as well.
Composition of Polymer Concrete
Polymer concrete is a mixture of ordinary cement, sand, and water combined with the secret ingredient – polymer resin. This may sound like a mouthful, but it’s worth remembering. It is typically made from polymer resin and aggregates. The former works as a binder, while the latter functions as compressive stress material. The aggregate part includes high-quality limestone, silica, quartz, granite, and other such components.
Varieties of Polymer or Resins Used
As discussed earlier, the polymer is the heart of this concrete type. As it carries built-in cohesive properties, it easily fixes the organic substrate to each other. Polymers are added in dry or liquid form. The liquid one is called latex or resin.
There are multiple types of polymers available. However, their selection depends upon various factors, including the chemical used, cost, resilience against stress, etc. Following are some common types of polymers used worldwide in concrete manufacturing.
- PVA
- VAE
- SBR
- MMA
- PUR
- Methanol
- Styrene
- Styrene-Acrylics
- Polyester Styrene
- Furan Resins
- Epoxy Resins
- Unsaturated Polyester Resin
- Urea Formaldehyde Resin
Due to its versatile use in residential, commercial, and industrial projects, it has become increasingly favoured across the world. There is no limit to what this remarkable material can do, from bridges to countertops and even sculptures!
What makes Polymer concrete unique?
The properties of polymer concrete are dependent on various factors, such as quality, purity, and clarity. These significantly influence the cost, sturdiness, and strength of overall products.
- The use of polymers as a binder as a substitute for cement is relatively expensive.
- Compared to Portland concrete, it is more tensile and adhesive.
- It cures fast under ambient temperature.
- This concrete cures automatically. You do not need to drench it in water to increase its strength.
- It has unparalleled gluey properties.
- Suitable for climates regularly witnessing freeze and thaw cycles.
- This concrete type is less permeable to water.
- It survives the harsh chemical encounter.
- Provides good resistance against corrosion.
- The density is lighter than traditional cement, reducing the overall weight of the structure.
- Allows the use of form-releasing agents such as non-silicone.
- Polymer concrete is dielectric in nature.
- It can be applied in very thin cross-sectional layers.
- Lastly, it does not allow the absorption of carbon dioxide. This ultimately protects the structure from carbonation and alkalinity loss.
Is There Any Drawback?
The answer to this question is YES!
Nothing is 100% perfect in this world, not even polymer concrete. However, when selecting a particular thing for ourselves, we go for the one with more potential benefits than loopholes. In the case of Polymer Concrete, there are negligible drawbacks. Most of them are highlighted below.
- Polymer concrete is comparatively more expensive than any other.
- Its utilization needs skilled and precise working.
- The unbalanced proportioning of 2 elements can destroy the overall structure.
- Resins or chemicals used in the polymer concrete can have health effects on the high encounter.
Due to its versatile use in residential, commercial, and industrial projects, it has become increasingly favoured across the world. There is no limit to what this remarkable material can do, from bridges to countertops and even sculptures!
The Bottom Line
Concludingly, Polymer concrete is a highly modernized construction material that has strong grounds in almost all types of construction industries. Its unlimited unique properties of strength, durability, and resistant nature make it an ideal choice all over the globe. As with the exponentially increasing rate of urbanization, polymer concrete is moving its way forward at a similar pace.
Besides, multiple companies can introduce you to the best quality and help you choose your resin type as well. Pro-Mix Concrete is one of the leading UK-based names in concrete manufacturing and related services.
We provide you with the widest range of concrete, from ready-mix to personally modified. The quality is guaranteed, and the service is top-notch! Contact us now and get all sorted for your upcoming construction project.