Properties and Applications of Polymer Impregnated Cementitious Materials

Abstract

Basic problems related to manufacturing of polymer impregnated cementitious materials are discussed. Experimental studies on drying, impregnation and polymerization are presented. In addition ot these conditions of the treatment, mix proportion of the base material should be carefully selected so as to optimize a property aimed at. Mechanical strength of PIC is influenced by self stress generated in the material possibly due to shrinkage caused by polymerization and the difference in thermal coefficients of expansion of polymer and concrete. Annealing and addition of a plasticizer are useful methods in reducing this self stress. Improvement of strength is analyzed by Griffith theory, and uniformity of PIC is evaluated by Weibull's theory. Both of these analyses indicate that the impregnation is a reasonable method to improve mechanical properties of cementitious material, though shrinkage caused by this treatment should be deliberately taken into account when the material is further reinforced with steel or other fibers. Products manufactured by the process studied in this report have shown good performances in actual service to date. /ACI/