Use of Polymers to Enhance Concrete Performance

Abstract

Decades ago, an implantation of polymer into concrete has taken an effect in Concrete Polymer Composites, C-PC – new concrete classes and since that time a constant developmentpolymers in concretetechnology has been observed. The object of the study in short definition has been described and classified. The meaning ofpolymer better concreteas well ashow polymer improves the concretehas been explained. It has been analyzed and stressed that the polymer function in concrete is much higher than one could deduct from their mass share. The reason for that is synergy effect – the result of cooperation of polymers with other components of concrete. The recognition and using of synergic effects is the main but not only one direction of research works. Thepolymer in concrete productto be attractive on the market should fit up away growing demands of application and be based on the current status of knowledge. It means persistent and online resolvingMaterial Model – Performance Modelrelation. Long time study on the modelling of cement hydration and polymer hardening process in Polymer Cement Concrete proved how significant is the idea/theory in technology development. Currently great expectation has been demonstrated towards Water-Soluble Polymers, WSP as nanomodifier of great potentiality. Various types of polymers in various amounts can be used for C-PC; even the polymer of the same type can be differentiated by the structure of polymer chain (length, branching) – this creates almost unlimited area of the control performance of C-PC. Outcome of the past ASPIC and ICPIC Congresses confirms that the research efforts have been always oriented on the engineering results based on the material microstructure understanding. The role of polymers in concrete could be not overestimated.