Title: Development of Polymer Impregnated Concrete

Author(s): G. W. DePuy

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 214

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 63-72

Keywords: full impregnation; historical development; monomers; partial impregnation; polymer-impregnated concrete; process technology; properties; research

DOI: 10.14359/12761

Date: 6/17/2003

Abstract:
The historical development of polymer-impregnated concrete (PIC) is reviewed. Starting in 1965, PIC was developed over a period o f several years as part of a joint research program conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) under sponsorship of the USBR, Atomic Energy Commission (ARC), and the Office o f Saline Water (OSW). At various times other organizations funded portions of the program aimed at developing applications directed at their particular interests. Following reports of the research results, research was also conducted by many other organizations in the US and worldwide. The paper reviews the various processes and equipment used to produce both partial and fully impregnated concrete. Included are discussions on drying the concrete, placing it under vacuum, pressure soaking, encapsulation, and polymerization techniques. Monomer and catalyst systems arc also discussed. Costs and safety procedures are also mentioned. Comparisons of improvements in properties of PIC over conventional concrete are given.