Polymer Portland cement concrete PPCC

Concretes with polymers are generally classified into three categories as polymer concrete (PC), polymer Portland cement concrete (PPCC), which is also known as latex-modified concrete (LMC) and polymer-impregnated concrete (PIC) according to their process technologies. 

Polymer concrete is a composite material formed by polymerising a monomer and aggregate mixture. There is no other cementitious material present in it. PPCC (or LMC) is a Portland cement concrete produced usually by replacing a specified portion of the mixing water with a latex (polymer emulsion). It can also be produced by adding a monomer to fresh concrete with subsequent in situ curing and polymerisation. PIC is a hardened Portland cement concrete with impregnated monomer which is polymerised in situ. 

PPCC mixtures are Portland cement concrete mixtures to which polymer latexes have been added during the mixing process. Hardening of the polymer occurs simultaneously with the curing of concrete thus forming a continuous polymer network throughout the concrete [11, 16]. 

The dispersed polymer phase throughout the concrete causes considerable reduction in porosity and microcracks in the Portland cement matrix as well as serving as an additional binding material [11, 19]. Thus, PPCC is a more durable and weather resistant material for deck coverings and parking lot overlays. 

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