Polymers in Civil Engineering

Poly meros = many parts

Monomer = non-linked mer material

Polymers = long continuous chain molecules
formed from repeated sequences of small organic
units (mers). molecular weight in excess of
10,000.

Polymerization

the use of heat, pressure or a chemical catalyst to
link monomer material into polymer chains.
Plastic Types
Thermosetting plastic
A Polymer Material
That Cannot Be
Reformed After
Manufacturing
Cross Linked Chain
Networks
Less Creep, Isotropic
Good Structural
Properties
Injection Molded
Thermo plastic
A Polymer That Can
Be Remolded After
Manufacturing.
Softens Upon
Reheating
Substantial Creep,
Isotropic Properties
Extrusion (PVC Pipe)
Or Molding (PET
Soda Bottles)
Natural Polymers
Wood
Leather
Cotton
Rubber
Wool
Asphalt
Manufactured Polymers
Epoxy (thermosetting)
Polyesters (thermoplastic or thermoset)
Sulfur Concrete (thermoplastic)
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)
Polyurethane
Polystyrene (thermoplastic)
Polyvinyl chloride, PVC (thermoplastic)
Polyethylene (thermoplastic)
Epoxy (thermosetting)
Physical Properties
Strength and Moduli vary with temperature and
formulation
Thermal coefficient greater than concrete
Brittle behavior (more brittle than concrete)
Excellent adhesion - tenacious bond
High tensile and compressive strength
Highly resistant to chemical attack and wear
Epoxy
Disadvantages and limitations
Properties are very sensitive to mixing and
proportioning procedures
Some cannot be used in moist environments
Strong Allergenic, safety
Some have strong oder prior to polymerization
Physical properties are substantially different
from other materials
Epoxy
Applications
Adhesive (old concrete to new concrete, welding
cracked concrete, bonding diverse materials)
Patching voids
Durable overlays and coatings
Polyesters
Thermoplastic or Thermoset
Physical Properties
Strength and Moduli vary with temperature and
formulation
Thermal coefficient greater than concrete
Polyesters
Advantages
Good Chemical
Resistance
Easy to use
Good strength
Good ductility
Inexpensive
Disadvantages and
Limitations
Some have marginal
bond quality
More expansion and
shrinkage than
concrete
Applications of Polyester
Floor coatings
Protective coatings
Adhesive bonder or sealer
Binder for fiberglass or artificial wood
Sealer for Epoxy injection
Anchoring for drilled holes
Binder for polymer mortar
Sulfur Concrete (thermoplastic)
Physical Properties
Modulus of Elasticity similar to concrete
Thermal expansion greater than concrete
Advantages
Exceptional chemical resistance
Cold joints preventable
Rapid Strength gain (80%@ 2 h; 100%@ 24 h)
High strength (7000 psi)
Will set below freezing
Sulfur Concrete
Disadvantages
Requires Special
Equipment
Special Handling
Required - High
Temperature (280F)
Will Melt At 246F
Few Applicators
Applications
High chemical
resistance floors, etc.
Rapid pavement
repair or construction
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)
Thermoset
Physical Properties
Clear Or Any Color
Thermal Expansion Higher Than Concrete
Low Viscosity (< Water)
High Strength
MMA
Advantages
Rapid Strength
Good Bond To Dry
Surfaces
Easy To Mix
Pre-packaged Mixes
Impermeable To Water
Resistance To Acids
Excellent Abrasion
Resistance
Disadvantages
Expensive
Hazardous (Fire)
Odor
More Shrinkage Than
Concrete
MMA
Applications
Plexiglas
Pavement Of Bridge Decks
Thin Overlays
Impregnation
Precast Elements
Polystyrene (thermoplastic)
Advantages
Water Resistant
Dimensional Stability
Inexpensive
Disadvantages
Low Tensile Strength
Low Modulus
Poor Heat Resistance
Poor Weather
Resistance
Brittle, Low
Toughness
Polyvinyl chloride, PVC
Thermoplastic
Physical Properties
Tensile 10-41 MPa (1500 - 6000 psi)
Compressive 55-110 MPa (8000 - 16000 psi)
200 - 15 % elongation

t
= 75 x 10-6 in./in./C
E = 3.6 Gpa (5 x 105 psi)
PVC
Advantages
Excellent Insulator
Diverse Applications
Chemical Resistance
Long-term Stability
Flame Resistant
Weather Resistant
Adhesion To Glass
Resistance To Oil
Disadvantages
Low Modulus
Moisture Sensitivity
In Production
PVC
Applications
Pipe
Raincoats
Window Frames And Moldings
Electrical Cables
Floor Tiles
Siding
Polyethylene (thermoplastic)
Physical Properties
E = .13 GPa (.19 x 105 psi)

t
= 1.0 x10-4/F
tensile strength 13.8 MPa (2 ksi)
Advantages
tough, durable, weather resistant
chemical and moisture resistance
excellent electrical properties
Polyethylene
Applications
sheet plastic, membranes, liners
pipe, electrical conduit
tanks, bottles
Polyurethane
Physical Properties
Sensitive to temperature and RH
low elastic moduli
Advantages
Resistant to Chemicals
lightweight and resistant to wear
Closed Cell material when used with foams
Cryogenic performance
AN OVERVI EW
Polymer Composites
Composites with Thermoplastics
Glass Fiber Composites (20-40% wt)
Monofilament
Braided Strand
Chop Fiber
Polymer
Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), Polyethylene
Terephthalate (PET), Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Nylon
What is FRP?
FRP stands for Fiber Reinforced Plastic
FRP is used in structural shapes, repair materials or
as reinforcement for concrete
FRP is a composite material consisting of artificial
fibers encased in a resin matrix
Materials Used in FRP
Fiber Types
+ Glass
+ Poly-Vinyl Alcohol (PVA)
+ Carbon
+ Aramid (Kevlar)
Resin Types
+ Epoxy
+ Polyester

Resins are thermosetting
Manufacture of FRP Rods
Pultrusion
+ Enables a high percentage of fibers to be included in the cross
section
Braiding
+ Creates surface deformations which enhance the FRP to
concrete bond
Hybrid Rods
Engineering Properties of FRP
High Tensile Strength
On average, the tensile strength of FRP is 10% to 500% greater
than steel
Low Moduli of Elasticity
With the exception of Carbon rods, FRP has only 1/10 to 1/2 the
modulus of steel
Linear Stress-Strain Relationship
Applications of FRP
Reinforcement bars for Concrete
Prestressing Tendons for Concrete Members
FRP sheets can be used to increase flexural strength
in weakened or underdesigned members
Advantages of FRP
Will Not Corrode In Field Conditions
Lightweight
Strong in Tension
Methods of Construction Same as Steel
Reinforcement
Disadvantages of FRP
Low Moduli of Elasticity
Cannot be Shaped in the Field
More Expensive than Steel
Coefficients of Thermal Expansion are Different than
Those of Steel or Concrete
Conclusion
FRP Reinforcement is an Engineered Material that
Shows Great Promise In the Future of Civil
Engineering