Engineering applications of chemically-bonded phosphate ceramics

Phosphate cements originated more than a century ago for specific applications to the field of dentistry. These cements have other applications including: biomaterials with bone applications, stabilization of hazardous waste, and structural cements. However, the applications in civil infrastructure are recent and not widely known. Therefore, this review discusses and analyzes phosphate cements, presenting the most significant findings of the research to address their mechanical behavior of these cements. It also describes the impact and application of phosphate cements as a structural product (pastes, mortars and concretes), in addition to typical values of mechanical strength, workability, commercial applications, etc. As a result, the review allows to elucidate advantages and disadvantages in comparison with existing technologies and the mechanical possibilities of these cements as biomaterials and for the immobilization of radioactive waste.