Chemical interaction between polymer and cement in polymer-cement concrete

Abstract

Polymers are widely used in cement mortar and concrete modification due to their significant role in improving the overall performance of cement-based materials. Their physical interaction is well-accepted, while less attention is given to chemical interaction between the polymers and cement. Through a review of prior arts, chemical interactions are discussed and summarized in this paper. Various chemical interactions may take place between cement and different types of polymers. Understanding these chemical interactions will play an important role in clarifying the relationship between microstructure and macrostructure of polymer-modified cementitious materials. Authors expressed and proved the conviction that the organic-inorganic (Polymer-Portland cement) composite with some components chemically bonded, in parallel to the physical interaction, will be the next stage in concrete technology progress.