Concrete Strengthening by Introducing Polymer-Based Additives into the Cement Matrix—A Mini Review

Abstract

The modern types of concrete are a mixture of aggregates, cement, water and optional additives and admixtures. In particular, polymer additives seem to be a promising type of component that can significantly change concrete and mortar properties. Currently, the most popular polymer additives include superplasticizers, latexes and redispersible powders. Moreover, in order to improve the properties of concrete-based composite admixtures, which enhance the resistance to cracking, polymer fibres and recycled polymers have been researched. All the types of polymeric materials mentioned above are broadly used in the construction industry. This work summarizes the current knowledge on the different types of popular polymeric additives. Moreover, it describes the correlation between the chemical structure of additives and the macro-behaviour of the obtained concrete.

Effect of Polymer Additives on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Self-Leveling Rubberised Concrete

“…The addition of polymer powder and polymer dispersion into concrete leads to the formation of flexible polymer films which improve adhesion and cohesion in cementitious materials. The polymer film formation is a result of the coalescence of individual latex particles after their dehydration [ 51 ]. However, it should be stressed that the interaction between cementitious and polymeric compounds is the source of considerable debate among scientists.…”

Cement Slurry Design for High-Pressure, High-Temperature Wellbores Using Polymer Nanocomposite: A Laboratory Scale Study Based on the Compressive Strength and Fluid Loss

“…The changes in temperature and pressure conditions induce brittleness and volumetric expansion in the structure of cement, and this causes the cement to crack and form microannular spaces in its structure. Researchers are developing different additives such as polymers in various forms like latexes, liquid resins, water-soluble polymers and copolymers, fibers, redispersible powders, geopolymers, and different types of nanoparticles to augment and improve the properties of the cement slurry in an economical manner. − Polymers have a tendency to amplify the viscosity of the solution because of their large interlinked structure. , However, these additives become unsustainable under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions in deeper wells, so a more stable additive is needed that can operate without failure under these conditions.…”

Effectiveness of Polymer Additives in Concrete for 3D Concrete Printing Using Fly Ash

“…A series of studies indicate the improvement of the properties of mixtures suitable for 3D concrete printing by adding various polymer additives to the cement matrix [7,8]. Their effect on the structure leads to the improvement of the properties of concrete mixtures and hardened concrete, such as workability [9], setting time [10], frost resistance [11], and water impermeability [12].…”

“…During mixing in water, redispersed polymer powders are transformed into an adhesive polymer dispersion, which, when the concrete cures, creates "rubber bridges" in its pores and at the interface with the base [7]. They have high tensile strength and elastically reinforce cement stone [16]; in addition, they can not only significantly increase the adhesion of concrete to the base, but also significantly reduce the disadvantages of cement stone, such as increased fragility and tendency to cracking [17].…”