POLYMER MODIFICATION OF PORTLAND CEMENT SYSTEMS

Addition of organic polymers to cement systems is made for a variety of purposes. This diversity of purpose leads to a like diversity in "mechanism of action" of the polymer component in cement systems. The hydration of portland cement is summarized. The 4 types of polymer-modified portland cement systems are water-retentive grouts and mortars, fiber-reinforced concretes, polymer-impregnated concretes, and polymer latex-modified mortars and concretes. Physical forms of the incorporated polymer include powder, fiber, monomer precursor, and aqueous polymer emulsion.