High Quality Concrete Using Polymers

Abstract

Natural polymers are in use as a building material from ancient times. As early as the second century B.C., polymers were used for important masonry constructions such as the great wall, prominent pagodas, palaces and temples. These constructions required more strength, impermeability and durability as compared to ordinary construction. As a common practice, the natural polymers were used to form polymer-lime mortar (paste without aggregate). The role of these natural polymers was to coat the lime particles in order to retard and smooth the exothermic reaction between lime and water. By retarding the exothermic reaction, the aim was to eliminate the danger of breaking the skeleton of solid internal structure of the mortar due to evaluation of heat during the chemical reaction. Finally, this polymer treated lime, after successfully enduring the chemical reaction with water, over a period of time, due to carbonization turned into limestone. Similarly, bricks impregnated with vegetable oil, and binding materials mixed with natural polymers were widely used in the ancient construction of palaces, temples and graves. These are still preserved to the present day. It is wort