How polymers improve concrete floors

9 What reaction polymers can achieve, at a cost

10 Improvements with polymer dispersions

11 A very simple method of benchmarking of overlays

12 Protection against impact and chemical attack as a function of strength and layer thickness

13 The future: chemistry and robotronics

How polymers improve concrete floors
Possibilities today and prospects for the future - a pragmatic approach to the limitations of concretes

by Dipl.-Chem. Dr. Peter Seidler

5^th International Colloquium Jan 21-23, 2003

9 What reaction polymers can achieve, at a cost

Many of these problems can be solved with polymers. However, it is important to distinguish between polymers in concrete and polymers on concrete. Problems that can be solved with polymers are marked grey in Table 7.

• not free of joints
• not free of cracks

• not strong enough
• not homogeneous from the surface to the core

• not dust-free
• not abrasion-resistant enough
• not impact-resistant enough
• not sufficiently resistant to chemicals

• not a moisture barrier
• only available in grey, and not in all colours
• does not have homogeneous surface colouring

• thin layer thickness ≥ 0…5 mm
• light installed weight of ≥ 0,2…10,0 kg/m²
• to smooth with a high degree of precision
• mostly placed without reinforcement

• difficult to plan
• difficult to place, needing training
• difficult to repair

Table 7: Disadvantages of concrete which polymers can compensate for

The difficulties for planning, placement and repair still remain even when polymers are used.

Last Update: Jan 29, 2003

0 Abstract 1 We have all the means for better concrete 2 History of mortars and concretes 3 Costs of an industrial concrete floor 4 The meaning of "strength" and "resistance" 5 Some shortcomings of concrete 6 Miracles made of concrete, but not for industrial floors 7 Special cements for industrial floors with no shrinkage 8 Problems caused by cementitious overlays 9 What reaction polymers can achieve, at a cost 10 Improvements with polymer dispersions 11 A very simple method of benchmarking of overlays 12 Protection against impact and chemical attack as a function of strength and layer thickness 13 The future: chemistry and robotronics 14 References		How polymers improve concrete floors Possibilities today and prospects for the future - a pragmatic approach to the limitations of concretes by Dipl.-Chem. Dr. Peter Seidler 5^th International Colloquium Jan 21-23, 2003 9 What reaction polymers can achieve, at a cost Many of these problems can be solved with polymers. However, it is important to distinguish between polymers in concrete and polymers on concrete. Problems that can be solved with polymers are marked grey in Table 7. • not free of joints • not free of cracks • not strong enough • not homogeneous from the surface to the core • not dust-free • not abrasion-resistant enough • not impact-resistant enough • not sufficiently resistant to chemicals • not a moisture barrier • only available in grey, and not in all colours • does not have homogeneous surface colouring • thin layer thickness ≥ 0…5 mm • light installed weight of ≥ 0,2…10,0 kg/m² • to smooth with a high degree of precision • mostly placed without reinforcement • difficult to plan • difficult to place, needing training • difficult to repair Table 7: Disadvantages of concrete which polymers can compensate for The difficulties for planning, placement and repair still remain even when polymers are used.
Last Update: Jan 29, 2003