Polymer concrete mixing is a relatively new techniques used in the construction industry to produce concrete products with enhanced strength, durability and service life. Polymer concrete is produced by mixing a fine aggregate, such as sand and gravel, with a polymer resin. The use of polymeric additive allows for the production of a more durable concrete product.
Polymer concrete mixes are becoming increasingly popular due to the fact that they provide an improved strength to weight ratio when compared to traditional concrete mixes. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of aggregate and replacing it with a polymer resin in a given mix. This results in increased compressive strength and improved workability. Furthermore, the improved strength to weight ratio enables the use of polymer concretes in a variety of situations that would otherwise be difficult for traditional concrete mixes.
Polymer concrete mixes are also commonly used in applications where aesthetics are important. Polymer concretes can be formulated with a range of pigments and additives that make it possible to achieve a wide range of color and visual effects. Additionally, polymer concrete mixes can also be formulated to be glossy, semi-glossy, textured, smooth and even velvet-like, allowing for an array of interesting and aesthetically pleasing projects.
Another advantage of using polymer concrete mixes is that they possess superior durability and longevity, usually lasting up to five times longer than traditional concrete mixes. The improved durability means that polymer concretes can be employed in applications where strength, durability, and longevity are essential such as bridges and buildings, or in applications where extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, and/or water contact may be present, such as in airfields and marine facilities.
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, one of the most apparent benefits of polymer concrete mixing is its versatility. With a wide range of formulations and reinforced additives available, the possibilities for the type and strength of mixes are almost endless. For instance, solutions can be created to help protect against the penetration of rainwater, vibration, traffic, ultraviolet radiation, and a wide range of temperatures. Solutions can also be created to adjust the rate and speed of curing, workability, and plasticity. This means that polymer concrete mixes can be tailored to the specific application being considered, making them an extremely useful and standard material for many applications.
One major disadvantage to using polymer concrete is its high cost. Polymer resins are relatively expensive, and so using a polymer concrete mix requires a significantly higher initial investment when compared to traditional concrete mixes. Furthermore, additional costs can come from the purchase of additional additives and pigments if required, or from the cost of hiring a specialist contractor to apply the mix if the project is large scale.
Polymer concrete mixing has a wide variety of potential uses and advantages to offer compared to traditional concrete mixes. The improved strength to weight ratio, improved aesthetics, improved durability and longevity, and improved control over the mix all make polymer concrete a desirable choice for many construction applications. The main weakness of polymer concrete is its higher price point. That said, when the life cycle cost effectiveness and cost savings associated with the superior performance benefits of polymer concrete are taken into account, the higher price may be justified.
