UFC 3-270-04
15 March 2001
CHAPTER 11
POLYMER CONCRETE
11.1. Description. There are many kinds of new specialty polymer concretes (PC) such as
furan and sulfur concretes, polyester, vinyl ester, vinyl ester novolac polymer concretes, epoxy
and epoxy-novolac polymer concretes, etc. Most of the work on PC has been with methyl
methacrylate, epoxies, and polyester-styrene resin systems. PC is a composite material in which
aggregate is held together in a dense matrix with a polymer binder. The composites do not
contain a hydrated cement phase of portland cement; however, they can be used as an
aggregate or filler. PC composites can possess a unique combination of properties dependent
upon the formulation. These should include:
11.1.1. Rapid curing at ambient temperatures from 0 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to
40 degrees Celsius).
11.1.2. High tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths.
11.1.3. Good adhesion to most surfaces.
11.1.4. Good long-term durability with respect to cycles of freezing and thawing.
11.1.5. Low permeability to water and aggressive solutions.
11.1.6. Good chemical resistance.
Application and performance of PC is dependent upon the specific polymeric binder as well as
the type of aggregate and its gradation. Copolymerization techniques allow the production of a
variety of binders with a wide range of physical properties.
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