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Polymer Concrete
Polymer Concrete is a special type of Concrete that utilized Polymer instead of Lime-type Cement as a binder. In certain circumstances, Polymer is used in addition to Portland cement to make Polymer Cement Concrete (PCC) or Polymer Modified Concrete (PMC).
The traditional concrete is puros due to the presence of air voids, water bodies, or the inherent porosity of the gel structure itself. Because of the porosity, the strength of cement is normally diminished.
There are some processes like vibration, pressure is used to decrease the porosity of concrete mixture but none of these methods could really help to reduce the water voids and the inherent porosity of gel.
The impregnation of monomer and subsequent polymerization is the most recent method embraced to decrease the inherent porosity of the concrete. This type of concrete is known as polymer concrete.
Types Of Polymer Concrete
There are three types of Polymer Concrete as given below.
- Polymer Impregnated Concrete (PIC)
- Polymer Cement Concrete (PCC)
- Polymer Concrete (PC)
Let us discuss all types of Polymer Concrete in detail.
1. Polymer Impregnated Concrete (PIC):
Polymer Impregnated Concrete is made from portland cement by impregnated with monomer and thereafter polymerized in the field. Initially, the cement concrete is cast and cured normally and then the concrete product gets hardened and dried, air from its voids is eliminated under partial vacuum and a low viscosity monomer is diffused within the pores of the concrete. Thereafter concrete finally undergoes polymerization by radiation or heat therapy. This concrete is exploited in precast slabs for bridge decks, marine structures, roads, kerbstones, food processing buildings, etc.
2. Polymer Cement Concrete (PCC):
This concrete is prepared by integrating an amalgamate of polymer or monomer in portland cement concrete. The ingredient comprises cement, aggregates, and monomer is mixed with water and the monomer is polymerized after placing the concrete into forms. Polymer Cement Concrete can be used in marine works.
3. Polymer Concrete (PC):
In this type of concrete, polymer, or monomer is exploited as a binder in place of cement. The monomer is mixed with aggregates thereafter polymerized after placing the concrete in position. However heating is needed while mixing the aggregates with monomer, This concrete is a good dielectric material and can be exploited for the construction of irrigation works.