ABSTRACT
Polymer-modified mortar and concrete have properties, such as high tensile and flexural strengths, excellent adhesion, high waterproofness, high abrasion resistance, and good chemical resistance, that are superior to those of ordinary cement mortar and concrete. The film-formation characteristics of recent redispersible polymer powders for polymer-modified mortar have been improved. In Japan, the redispersible polymer powders are often used to produce prepackaged-type products such as decorative wall coatings and tile adhesives. Various water-soluble polymers such as methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylate are used as admixtures for plastering work or underwater concreting work. In Europe, precast applications, such as machine tool structures, building panels, utility boxes, and underground junction boxes, of polymer concrete are common, and the development of machine tool structures is especially active in Germany and Switzerland. The main applications for the artificial marble products are the manufacture of systematized kitchens, washstands, and bathtubs.
