POLYMER MODIFIED MORTARS AND

CEMENT
Submitted By: Ankita Sharma

Content

Introduction
Materials
Process of Polymer Modification in cement concrete/mortar
General Requirements of a Polymer Latex
Classification of Polymer Latexes
Quality Reqirements
Fields of Application
General Guidelines & Precautions for use of polymer
modified cement Mortar/concrete

Introduction
Polymer-modified mortar and concrete are prepared by
mixing either a polymer or monomer in a dispersed,
powdery, or liquid form with fresh cement mortar
and concrete mixtures, and subsequently curing.

These are initially mixed in water in required

proportion and then added to the cement mortar or
concrete.
The latex-modified mortar or concrete, are placed
similar to normal concreting and cured under optimum
conditions.

Materials:
1. Cements
OPC (Ordinary Portland cement) is widely used for polymer modified
mortars and concrete including all other Portland cements depending upon
their applications.
2. Aggregates
The aggregates used for normal concreting operations are recommended for
latex mixes. The aggregates should be clean, sound, and of proper grading.
3. Other material
Alkali-resistant glass, steel polyamide, carbon fibers etc are used as
reinforcement.
4.. Polymers: Polymers are long molecules, built by combination of single
units called monomers. Polymers are essentially hydrocarbons
Types of Polymers used are-:
Polymer Latexes
Re dispersible Polymer Powders
Water Soluble polymers
Liquid Resins
Monomers
Fig 1 : SBR latexes for cement modifiers

General Requirements of a Polymer Latex:

Very high chemical stability towards the active cat-ions,

such as calcium and aluminium, liberated during the
hydration of cement.
Very high mechanical stability during mixing, and in
transfer pumps.
Low air entrainment.
No adverse influence on cement hydration.
Formation of continuous films in mortar or concrete.
Very good water, alkali and weather resistance
Thermal stability

Classification
1. Cat-ionic (negatively charged)
2. An-ionic (positively charged)
3. Non-ionic (not charged)

Quality Requirements

Better Workability
Better Water Retention
Better resistance to Bleeding and Segregation
Increased Resistance to Crack Propagation
Increased Strength
High Chemical resistance
Low Temperature effect
Low Shrinkage
High Water proofing Quality
Improved Adhesion or bond strength
Better Abrasion Resistance
Better Durability and non-degradability

Fields of Application:

Structural repairs to RCC: PMM/PMC are used to make

up the damaged/lost cover concrete due to their better
bond with substrate, including the reinforcement.
Ultra Rapid Hardening Polymer Modified Shotcrete
Polymer Ferro cements: For the purpose of improving
the flexural behaviour and durability of conventional
ferrocement, polymer-ferrocements have been developed
using latex modified mortars instead of ordinary cementsand mortars.
Anti Washout Underwater Concrete:
Protective Anti Corrosive and Water Proofing Coatings:
Bond Coats (Structural Adhesives) and Grouts

General Guidelines & Precautions for use of

polymer modified cement Mortar/concrete
The speed and time of mixing should be
properly selected to avoid unnecessary
entrapment of air.
The PMM/PMC have excellent adhesion even to
metal and hence all equipment should be washed
immediately after use.
The choice of type of PMM/PMC depends on
thickness of coating to be applied.
It is advisable to finish the surface by trawling 23 times. Over trawling is not advisable.

 PMM/PMC should never be placed below 5C and

above 30 C. The surface of newly placed material
should be protected from rainfall or other source of
water. The surface should be immediately covered with
burlap or plastic sheet.
In large area of application, it is advisable to provide
joints of 15 mm width at intervals of 3-4 meter.
Curing under water immersion or under wet condition
is detrimental to PMM/PMC. It should be moist cured
for 1-3 days followed by curing at ambient
temperature. Steam curing is not recommended.