Epoxy and Polyester Polymer Concrete

Experiments similar to those previously described were carried out with epoxy and polyester polymer concrete samples (compositions 3 and 5, Table 1.2). 

The ultimate compressive strength of drying epoxy polymer concrete samples is about 92% of the control sample strength, which testifies to a high degree of reversibility of the process associated with the adhesive nature of the interaction between binder and filler. 

The maximal decrease in compressive strength (up to 40%) is observed in the polyester composites, which is caused by destruction of the bonds between polyester molecules and between binder and filler. 

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Vipulanandan, C. and Paul, E. 1990. Performance of epoxy and polyester polymer concrete. ACI Mater. /., 87, 3, 241 (American Concrete Institute). 

RubCon can be used in specialized structures instead of traditional building materials (reinforced concrete, steel, wood). Comparison of technical and economic parameters of RubCon with the most widespread kinds of corrosion-resistant concretes, in particular polymer concrete based on epoxy and polyester resins, showed that the cost of a useful loading unit of the RubCon structure is more than twice as effective as epoxy polymer concrete and 2.2 times as effective as polyester polymer concrete. 

The polymer concretes are distinguished by the nature of the binder e.g., furan, polyester, epoxy, phenol formaldehyde, carbamide, and so on. The classification of the main types of polymer concrete according to the kind of synthetic resins involved is shown in Figure 1.2 [7],... 

Polymer concrete samples of four compositions (Table 1.2) measuring 4 x 4 x 16 cm are prepared. Control samples were placed in a desiccator containing moisture absorption silica gel composition. Other samples were in environments with various humidity. The influence of environmental humidity on the compressive strength, modulus elasticity, and moisture absorption of furfurol-acetone, epoxy, polyester, and rubber (RubCon) polymer concrete samples are shown in Tables 1.3-1.5 and Figures 1.4 and 1.5. 

Recent developments in this field seem to suggest that both epoxy or polyester resins are often times used for similar applications with no apparent difference in the performance of the materials. Ohama and co-workers (15) compared the resistance of polymer concretes to boiling water for periods of up to 12 months and found that epoxy resins were more resistant than orthopthalate based... 

Other filled resin systems that require a coupling agent include highly filled sand cores with ftiran urea-formaldehyde and urethane resins in the foundry industry highly filled polymer concrete where polyester and epoxy binders are used to bond aggregate and cultured marble, cultured onyx, and cultured granite, where a highly filled thermoset resin is used to bond and aluminum trihydrate. 

Areas less than 10 mm thick can be hand repaired by applying proprietary cementitious mortar with or without polymer modifier. Polymeric mortars can provide physical protection to concrete but do not provide an alkaline environment. The substrate must be kept sufficiently wet to minimize the loss of water during repairing. Proprietary bonding coats may be added to provide strong bonding to the substrate. They are formulated from epoxy polymer or polyester polymer and they can be used without a primer. 

A variety of materials, ranging from mineral binders to polymers, can be used as binder. However, materials based on polymers, such as epoxy or polyester resins, which are often used for concrete structures, should undergo careful assessment before use in historical masonry, due to possible issues regarding the mechanical and physical compatibility. Much more common for the repair of historical buildings are mineral binder systems based on cement or hydraulic lime with the addition of admixtures and fillers or aggregate. To inject bore holes, usually pure water/binder systems are used with typical w/b values of 0.8-1.0. However, the w/b ratio has to be adjusted according to the volume to be injected and to the moisture content of the substrate. 

M. C. S. Ribeiro, P. R. Novona, A. J. M. Ferreia and A. T. Marques Flexural performance of polyester and epoxy polymer mortars under severe thermal conditions. Cement Concrete Composites Vol.26, No.7 (2004), pp.803-809. 

Fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) are composed of a reinforcement material (glass, aramid or carbon fibres) surrounded and retained by a (thermoplastic or thermosetting) polymer matrix (unsaturated polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester, or polyurethane). FRPs were first used in the rehahiUtation of reinforced or pre-stressed concrete, but they have also been widely used in the reinforcement of timber structures. 

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