Polymer materials in concrete technology

Abstract Possible directions of rational use of polymer materials in cement concrete technology are proposed. Introduction of crushed plastics into the concrete mixture in an amount of 0.5-2 wt. % helps to increase the strength of concrete during bending and compression. As a water-retaining polymer additive for cement composites, it is proposed to use sodium polyacrylate, and such an additive should be pre-prepared by holding the granules in water until swelling, followed by grinding. The use of styrene, acrylonitrile, and methyl methacrylate monomers as impregnating materials for concrete is considered. Monomers must be applied to the concrete surface together with 2% of the initiating system “benzoyl – dimethylaniline peroxide” (1:0.5). Benzoyl peroxide in this system acts as an initiator, and dimethylaniline is an accelerator for the decay of the initiator into free radicals. The specified maintenance of the initiating system ensures the completeness of the transformation and high strength of the polymer.