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.