Modified polyester resins as an effective binder for polymer concretes

Polymer concretes (PCs) are extensively used in the construction industry. Unsaturated polyester resins are amongst the most important binders in PCs. In this research a new kind of enhanced polyester resin, as the binder for PCs is presented. In order to assess the performance of PCs built with this new resin, samples of concrete comprising ordinary polyester resin and the enhanced polyester resin were prepared and examined in physical/mechanical tests. So as to evaluate the functionally of these products chemical strength tests in the presence of sulfuric acid with the pH of 1 were performed. The results suggested that physical/mechanical properties of the PCs were very similar. Moreover, the resin modification considerably enhances durability and long term chemical performance. Hence, application of the new resin in aggressive environments, specifically in coastal areas and sewage systems prone to sulfuric acid and sulfate attack, is recommended.