What is polymer concrete?

Polymer concrete is a composite material similar to regular concrete in which cement has been replaced by synthetic resins. These resins have a positive effect on improving the properties of polymer-concrete, especially its strength and chemical resistance, thus making it more durable. The fact of using synthetic resins also allows a fast harding what is a relevant advantage when using it for field work.

Production of polymer concrete

Before production, we must thoroughly clean and degrease the steel moulds where the finished mixture will be poured in. The amount of aggregates and resin may vary depending on the purpose of the mixture. Mixing process is made in automatic mixers, guaranteeing the repeatability of the formulation. Finally, the resulting mixture is poured into a previously prepared mould. After the material hardening the product is demoulded. Depending on the type of prefabricated element produced, further production may take place.

For the production of ducts and channels, moulds have to be turned upside down, so the mixture is poured from the bottom. This is followed by vibration in order to get rid of air bubbles. Once a precast product is formed and demoulded it is then clamped and conditioned at limited ambient parameters until it is fully hard.

During the production of flat cornice boards after cleaning the mould, a demoulding film is applied to it, followed by gelcoat and glass. Only then the polymer concrete mixture is poured in. The process follows with vibration and heating until demoulding.

The production of profiled cornice boards is similar to the one described above just being the moulds of higher complexity.

Properties of polymer concrete

In addition to its good mechanical and chemical properties, there are other advantages of polymer concrete:

• Fast curing time due to the high reactivity of the resin.
• Low water absorption making it very resistant to freezing degradation.
• Excellent electrical insulator.
• Eco-friendly material considering it may be washed, crushed and reused as filler.
• Easy to mould and shape.
• Allows to be coloured in wide range of RAL palette.
• Short assembly time at site considering pieces are all precast.
• Resistance to scratches having much lower rates of abrasion compared to regular concrete.
• High vibration damping.
• Smooth finishing surface allowing ease flow of liquids.

Thanks to these great properties, polymer concrete is an attractive material and relatively easy to produce, starting to replace regular cement concrete in many industrial and civil applications.

SYTEC is producing polymer concrete and other composites since 1991 being a leader in the market and responsible for introducing many new technics, processes and products.