LU Zichen，LIU Danting，WANG Lei

School of Materials Science and Engineering，Tongji University， Shanghai 200082， China

Abstract

Significance Concrete, a dominant construction material, often fails to achieve its designed service life and mechanical strength due to its inherent brittleness, high porosity, and susceptibility to various environmental stressors such as freeze-thaw cycles, chemical attacks, and moisture ingress. These constraints have driven continuous research on improving its durability and performance. Among various modification techniques, the incorporation of polymers into cement-based materials has emerged as a promising solution. Polymers, serving as organic additives, can significantly enhance concrete’s flexibility, bonding properties, and resistance to cracking and degradation. The potential of polymers to improve the mechanical behavior and durability of concrete has attracted increasing interest from both scientific and engineering communities. Polymer-modified concrete systems are being explored for a wide range of applications, including infrastructure development, road and bridge construction, marine structures, and the rehabilitation and repair of aging facilities. A comprehensive understanding of how polymers affect the rheology, strength development, and long-term performance of concrete is essential for optimizing their use and maximizing their potential in sustainable construction.

Progress This paper comprehensively reviews the classification, preparation, and performance characteristics of concrete-polymer composites. It begins by categorizing polymer-concrete systems into four major types： polymer concrete (PC), polymer-impregnated concrete (PIC), polymer-modified concrete (PMC), and newly developed polymer-based composites. Each type exhibits unique features in terms of composition, preparation methods, and applications. For instance, PC is a composite where polymer resin entirely replaces traditional cement as the binder, achieving superior strength and chemical resistance. PIC involves the impregnation of hardened concrete with monomers that are then polymerized, enhancing impermeability and durability. PMC, the most widely used in practical applications, combines polymers with conventional cement paste to improve the overall performance at a relatively low cost. Furthermore, the paper examines how polymers influence workability, hydration behavior, mechanical properties, and durability.

Conclusions and Prospects Research findings indicate that both PC and PIC systems provide exceptional mechanical and durability performance. However, their widespread adoption is hindered by challenges such as elevated material costs, energy-intensive curing requirements, and complex fabrication techniques. In comparison, PMC offers a more viable solution for real-world applications due to its ease of implementation and cost-effectiveness. In addition to traditional systems, this review explores the potential of next-generation concrete-polymer composites. These encompass in-situ polymerized systems that achieve high strength but face challenges in reaction control, fiber-reinforced polymer composites that offer excellent toughness but are susceptible to fiber dispersion and dosage, and sustainable alternatives like waste plastic or rubber-modified concrete, which provide environmental benefits but are constrained by limitations in structural performance. Future research should prioritize addressing the interfacial interactions between polymers and cement hydrates, a critical factor influencing the composite’s overall behavior. Moreover, innovation in eco-friendly and recyclable polymer materials is essential for advancing green and sustainable construction. Through interdisciplinary approaches that integrate material science, chemistry, and structural engineering, concrete-polymer composites can be further developed to meet the evolving demands of contemporary infrastructure.

Keywords：concrete-polymer composites; cementitious materials; mechanism

DOI：10.13732/j.issn.1008-5548.2025.04.003