Polymerization Makes Tougher Concrete.

Reports on a study of the feasibility and techniques of impregnating and in-place polymerizing of liquid monomers in preformed concrete, and the use of monomers in a fresh concrete mix, followed by polymerization. Two methods of initiating polymerization--gamma radiation and thermal-catalytic--are being studied. Studies include development of impregnation techniques and determination of the effects of various polymer loadings on resultant properties. The radiation technique produces greater improvements in properties than does the thermal-catalytic method. Dramatic improvements in concrete properties resulting from the impregnation-irradiation with methyl methacrylate are discussed. For example, compressive ana tensile strength and modulus of rupture are increased by 256 to 290 percent; water permeability decreased to negligible values; water absorption decreased as much as 95 percent; and resistance to abrasion, cavitation, freezing and thawing, distilled water, soluble sulfates, and acid showed significant improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]