Polymer-based admixtures

The concept of polymer modification for cement mortar and concrete is not new, since considerable research and development of polymer modification have been performed for the past 70 years or more. As a result, various polymer-based admixtures have been developed, and polymer-modified mortar and concrete using them are currently popular construction materials because of their good cost-performance balance. This article summarizes the classification of polymer-based admixtures, the principles of polymer modification by the use of polymer latexes, redispersible polymer powders, water-soluble polymers and liquid polymers, the properties and applications of polymer-modified mortar and concrete, recent research and development activities, and standardization work.