POLYMER-MODIFIED CONCRETE: REVIEW

Shivani R. Bothra, Yuvraj M. Ghugal

Abstract: Concrete plays important role in the construction industry but it has some drawbacks . To overcome this drawbacks the search for durable and sustainable construction materials is the need of time. This leads to the developments of concrete composites in combination of various compounds to be used in many applications in world of cement concrete. A better knowledge of materials behaviour, especially in the field of admixtures, and a better understanding of curing processes allowed the development of highly performing mineral or modified mineral concretes, mortars and grouts. The world of concrete with fibres, as well as the world of concrete- with polymer has been undergoing major researches to enhance the properties of traditional concrete. Both worlds recognize, strive for and accept each other’s contribution to the synergic effects that are realized by the combination of classical building materials and polymers. This paper briefly review the use concrete composites in combination with polymer, where polymers are in the form of a polymerised matrix comingled with the hydrated cement paste. The micro-structure and properties of composite polymer modified concrete are described and some current possible applications are mentioned. It is observed that using fibers in combination with polymer show further enhancement.Various methodology, emerging trends as well as variations in curing techniques for polymer modified concrete are observed. Also the modern strengthening techniques used for improving the earthquake behaviour of structures, by aid of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) are discussed for the use of rehabilitation of existing structures.Several recently published articles and technical papers dealing polymer modified concrete are critically reviewed.

Keywords: Polymer, SBR latex, Acrylic polymer, Steel fiber.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2015.0404146