Polymer Modified Sceed
The addition of a polymer to concrete and screeds improves their performance by increasing strength, workability, durability, and reducing water demand and permeability. Polymer concrete and screeds are made from Portland cement, aggregate, and a water-based polymer dispersion or latex that acts as an admixture during mixing. This allows for the use of lower water cement ratios, which increases flexural and tensile strengths and can allow the screed to be laid thinner.
When used in a floor construction project, polymer modified screed can be set to walk on just 3 hours after application and can receive tile or stone after only 1 day when ARDEX A 38 is used. This rapid-set polymer screed is suitable for both bonded and unbonded applications.
Polymer Modified Screed: Advantages and Applications
Polymer concrete/screeds have a higher freeze and thaw resistance than conventional concrete and can often be used to replace existing damaged concrete in areas such as industrial floors, high-traffic pavements, road overlays, and bridge decks subject to maritime environments or large doses of de-icing salts. PMCs can also be used to repair deteriorated concrete structures such as silos, tanks, water pipes, sewers, and ship decks.
PMCs can also be used in new applications, such as pervious concrete, where they bind the aggregates together without the need for sand, and can significantly reduce void content and drainage. Some research has shown that the use of styrene-butadiene (SB) polymers in pervious concrete can enhance its mechanical properties, including flexural and tensile strengths, while also improving its toughness and resistance to abrasion and erosion.