Title: Lightweight Polymer Concrete Composites

Author(s): J. J. Fontana, M. Steinberg, and W. Reams

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 99

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 51-72

Keywords: dikes; epoxy resins; insulating concretes; insulation; lightweight aggregates; polyester resins; polymer concrete; thermal conductivity; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/2377

Date: 5/1/1987

Abstract:
Lightweight polymer concrete composites have been developed with excellent insulating properties. The composites consist of lightweight aggregates such as expanded perlites, multicellular glass nodules, or hollow alumina silicate microspheres bound together with unsaturated polyester or epoxy resins. These composites, known as insulating polymer concrete (IPC), have thermal conductivities from 0.09 to 0.19 Btu/hr-ft-F. Compressive strengths, depending on the aggregates used, range from 1000 to 6000 psi. These materials can be precast or cast-in-place on concrete substrates. Recently, it has been demonstrated that these materials can also by sprayed onto concrete and other substrates. An overlay application of IPC is currently underway as dike insulation at an LNG storage tank facility. The composites have numerous potentials in the construction industry, such as insulating building blocks or prefabricated insulating wall panels.