Polymers in concrete: a vision for the 21st century

Polymers in concrete have received considerable attention over the past 25 years. Polymer-impregnated concrete (PIC) was the first concrete polymer composite to receive widespread publicity. PIC has excellent strength and durability properties, but it has few commercial applications. Polymer concrete (PC) became well known in the 1970s and is used for repair, thin overlays for floors and bridges, and for precast components. Polymer-modified concrete (PMC) has been used primarily for repair and overlays. Several limitations have slowed the use of concrete polymer materials. However, there are many current and future uses for these materials that will effectively use their unique properties. Improved, automated repair methods, improvements in materials, replacements for metals, structural applications, and architectural components will prove to be popular uses of concrete-polymer materials.