Polymers in Concrete

The fundamental knowledge about polymers in concrete deal with phisical and chemical properties, composition, production, application and durability behaviour. The concrete-polymer composites are used for prefabricated elements, construction and repair works.

In the early seventies, the oil crises learned that mineral oil as a cheap basis for polymers production was not longer available. It was also found that oil reserves were limited. As a consequence, all uses of polymers were questioned. The use of polymers became part of a search for durable or sustainable construction materials. Polymers should only be used in these areas where their specific properties are needed. In combination with traditional materials, a synergic effect can be obtained. The general concept of Cement-Polymer Composite (C-PC) can be observed in figure 1.

Fig.1. C-PC geeral concept (according to Czarnecki)

In 1995 Ohama proposed a simplified model of formation of polymer-cement co-matric ( Y.Ohama Handbook of polymer-modified concrete and mortars, Noyes Publ 1995) that has been modified into integrated model of structue formation in polier modified concrete by Beeldens et al (A. Beeldens, D. Van Gemert, H. Schorn, Y. Ohama and L. Czamecki, From microstructure to macrostructure: an integrated model of structure formation in polymer-modified concrete, Materials and Structures 38 (6) 2005, 601-607).