Recent Development and Application of Concrete-Polymer Composites in Korea

This study examines and analyzes the R&D and field applications of concrete-polymer composites conducted in the past 5 years in Korea by reviewing related patents, new technologies and technical research articles. Among the materials, polymer cement concrete (mortar) was used the most for patent application followed by geopolymer concrete (rnortar) and polymer concrete (mortar). As for the uses, pavement overlay took the most for field application followed by repair and waterproof, and bricks were used the most for precast products followed by sewerage products and interior materials. The main subjects of the published research papers were repair of concrete pavement, manufacturing of polymer concrete using recycled wastes, and production of polymer cement concrete with improved performance. Most of the commercialized new technologies were related to the rehabilitation of concrete pavement using polymer concrete or polymer cement concrete and various precast products using polymer concrete. Based on the results of the examination and analysis, in respect of materials, the R&D activities in Korea focused on geopolymer concrete as a new item while few research studies were conducted on polymer impregnated concrete. Regarding field application, the mainstream was the R&D on overlay and repair, and the development of precast products. (A)