Modifying the Properties of Concrete –Concrete Flexibilisation with Polymers

Use of polymers as additives for concrete mechanical performance improvement is reviewed with a brief description of the reinforcement mechanisms involved.

Development of polymers for tailoring of concrete properties is one major aim and strategic applied research is now focused on concrete flexibility. The field requires deep knowledge of inorganic polymer structure, but the recent advances on zeolite structure design opens the way to concrete molecular structure modification. Polymers will undoubtedly play a major role on concrete flexibility improvement and the use of modified concrete for road pavement is expected to become more widespread as a result of bitumen shortage (fuel from bitumen by cracking process prevailing). Research approaches for concrete flexibilisation are discussed and structure design of water compatible polymers to be used is outlined.