Definition of polymer:
Any of various chemical compounds made of smaller, identical molecules (called monomers) linked together. Some polymers, like cellulose, occur naturally, while others, like nylon, are artificial. Polymers have extremely high molecular weights, make up many of the tissues of organisms, and have extremely varied and versatile uses in industry, such as in making plastics, concrete, glass, and rubber.
Definition of polymer concrete:
Polymer concrete is an aggregate mixture that uses a type of epoxy binder to cure and harden into place. A polyester, vinyl ester, or normal epoxy mixture is often used, but polymer concrete can be made with many kinds of polymer resins that allow the concrete to be poured or troweled and then hardened. It cures through a chemical reaction with the polymer material. Like traditional concrete, it also has water, sand and gravel or crushed stone as primary ingredients.
Benefits:
Polymer concrete offers different benefits depending on the resin used to make it. Acrylic binders set very quickly and offer resistance to weathering, while epoxies create a very strong material that shrinks very little as it cures. Furan resins can withstand high temperatures, and polyurea resins can replace phenolics or formaldehydes in many construction projects.
Uses:
Polymer concrete is used for many kinds of specialized construction projects. Like other types of concrete, it can be used to join two different components or to provide a structure or base. The material is used in electrical or industrial construction where the concrete needs to last a long time and be resistant to many types of corrosion.
Advantages of polymer concrete include:
- Rapid curing at ambient temperatures
- High tensile, flexural, an compressive strenghts
- Good adhesion to most surfaces
- Good long-term durability with respect to freeze and thaw cycles
- Low permeability to water and aggressive solutions
- Good chemical resistance
- Good resistance against corrosion
- Lightweight
- May be used in regular wood and steel formwork
- May be vibrated to fill voids in forms
- Allows use of regular form-release agents
- Dialectric
