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Concrete-Polymer Composites in Circular Economy

Proceedings of the 17th International Congress on Polymers in Concrete (ICPIC 2023)

  • Open Access
  • 2025
  • Open Access
  • Book

About this book

This open access book presents the proceedings of the 17th International Congress of Polymers in Concrete 2023 (ICPIC 2023), held under the theme "Cement-Polymer Composite in Circular Economy". It provides multidisciplinary and contemporary knowledge on the application of polymers both in and on concrete, covering topics from the modification of concrete compositions with modern admixtures and additives to the use of alternative binders and polymer composites for concrete reinforcement. The book also explores improvements in concrete surface properties and special functionalities such as self-healing, self-cleaning, and energy consumption control using Phase Changing Materials (PCM). As the premier global event in this field since 1975, ICPIC continues to drive innovation and sustainability, uniting researchers, academics, industry professionals, and students to advance the future of polymers in concrete.

Table of Contents

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  1. C-PC in Circular Economy: Searching for a New Paradigm

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Searching for a New C-PC Development Paradigm

      • Open Access
      Lech Czarnecki, Dionys Van Gemert, Ru Wang, Mahmoud Reda Taha
      This chapter delves into the necessity for a new development paradigm in polymer-concrete composites, commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the first patent on polymers in concrete. It traces the evolution of the general material concept into various types of concrete, including Polymer Concrete, Polymer Modified Concrete, Polymer Cement Concrete, and Polymer-Impregnated Concrete. The chapter also explores the fascination surrounding the substantial impact of small amounts of polymer on concrete properties, detailing the different types of polymers used and their percentages in concrete. Additionally, it discusses the scope of concrete-polymer composites and their applications, such as polymer overlays, coatings, repair mortars, and crack repair, emphasizing the potential for innovation in this field.
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    3. Construction Versus Circular Economy

      • Open Access
      Justyna Tomaszewska-Krygicz
      The chapter delves into the concept of the circular economy (CE) and its application to the construction sector, emphasizing the need for resource efficiency and waste reduction. It discusses the life cycle perspective, environmental impacts, and energy performance, highlighting the role of technology and sustainable investments. The text also explores the implications for the supply chain and the potential of innovative materials like polymer concrete composites (CPC) in promoting circularity. Throughout, the chapter underscores the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and circular construction sector.
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    4. Condition of Circular Economy in Poland

      • Open Access
      Paweł Falaciński, Agnieszka Machowska
      The chapter delves into the current state of Poland's circular economy, particularly within the construction industry. It begins by highlighting the global urgency of transitioning from a linear to a circular economic model due to the significant environmental impact of the construction sector. The text then focuses on Poland, revealing that while Poles are environmentally conscious, awareness of the circular economy remains low. The chapter explores the high consumption of raw materials and energy in Poland's construction sector and the need for new economic indicators to monitor the transition to a circular economy. It also discusses the barriers and opportunities in implementing circular economy principles, such as the use of recycled materials and innovative technologies. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the necessity of public support and regulatory changes to drive the transition to a circular economy in Poland's construction industry.
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    5. Emerging Materials and Technologies for Next-Generation Sustainable and Resilient Polymer Concrete

      • Open Access
      Daniel Heras Murcia, Mahmoud Reda Taha
      The chapter discusses the critical importance of infrastructure resilience in maintaining community safety and stability during disruptive events. It introduces emerging materials and technologies (EM&Ts) as potential solutions to enhance the resilience of civil infrastructure, focusing on polymer concrete (PC). The text explores how nanotechnology, such as carbon nanotubes and alumina nanoparticles, can improve PC's properties like fracture toughness and impact resistance. It also highlights the use of bio-based polymers as sustainable alternatives to reduce the carbon footprint of PC. Additionally, the chapter delves into the application of 3D printing technology for PC, showcasing its potential to accelerate infrastructure recovery. Furthermore, it introduces textile-reinforced polymer concrete (TRPC) as a promising material for civil infrastructure applications, demonstrating superior flexural capacity and ductility compared to traditional TRC. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the potential of EM&Ts to facilitate the development of resilient and sustainable PC for future infrastructure needs.
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    6. Interaction Between Polymer and Cement: A Review

      • Open Access
      Ru Wang, Shiwei Zhang
      The chapter delves into the intricate interaction between polymers and cement, highlighting the significant role polymers play in enhancing the properties of concrete. It explores the mechanisms at the micro and nano-scale, revealing how polymers improve fluidity, water retention, tensile strength, toughness, crack resistance, impermeability, durability, and bonding performance. The review covers various types of polymers, including styrene-butadiene rubber (SB), styrene-acrylic ester (SA), and ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA), and discusses the multi-scale characteristics of cement-based materials. By understanding these mechanisms, professionals can gain insights into developing more resilient and durable concrete structures.
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    7. Soft Means of Concrete Modification – Curing Conditions

      • Open Access
      Piotr Woyciechowski, Wioletta Jackiewicz-Rek, Beata Jaworska
      The chapter delves into the intricacies of concrete curing, focusing on the specific challenges and opportunities presented by polymer-modified concrete. It discusses the importance of curing conditions in determining the final properties of concrete, including durability, strength, and resistance to environmental factors. The chapter also explores the use of superabsorbent polymers for internal curing, polymeric film-forming agents for surface curing, and the innovative approach of carbon dioxide curing. By examining these various methods, the chapter offers valuable insights into the optimization of curing processes for different types of concrete, ultimately aiming to enhance the sustainability and performance of concrete structures.
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    8. Innovative Building Materials Containing Post-Consumer Plastics: A Rewarding Example of Circular Economy in Construction

      • Open Access
      Mariaenrica Frigione, José Luís Barroso de Aguiar
      This chapter delves into the innovative use of post-consumer plastics as building materials, particularly in the construction sector. It begins by outlining the principles of circular economy and the urgent need for sustainable practices. The document discusses the global plastic production and the significant waste generated, emphasizing the potential of recycling these materials into concrete. The advantages of using post-consumer plastics in concrete are highlighted, including reduced use of traditional aggregates and enhanced insulation properties. However, the chapter also addresses the challenges, such as high production costs and the need for further research into the adhesion properties of plastic particles in concrete. Recent studies on reusing disposable COVID-19 masks in concrete are also explored, showcasing promising results. The chapter concludes by identifying areas where further research is needed to fully exploit the potential of post-consumer plastics in construction materials.
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  2. Application and Challenges for C-PC in Circular Economy

    1. Frontmatter

    2. Current Status of Resin Concrete in Japan

      • Open Access
      Nobuhiro Kai, Makoto Kawakami, Masahisa Kido, Kei Ishitsuka, Yuki Kuwahara
      The chapter delves into the history and current applications of resin concrete in Japan, highlighting its superior material characteristics such as high strength and durability. It discusses the development of small resin concrete manholes tailored to Japan's unique environmental challenges, including seismic activity and corrosive conditions. The chapter also explores the use of homogenization analysis to optimize resin concrete formulations, demonstrating the potential for efficient material development. Additionally, it touches on environmental adaptability and future prospects, such as the use of biomass resins and recycled aggregates to reduce carbon footprint.
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    3. Recycled Mixed Plastic Fine Aggregate in Cement Concrete

      • Open Access
      Kevin Jia Lee, Sook Fun Wong
      The chapter delves into the utilization of recycled mixed plastic fine aggregate (rMPFA) as a sustainable replacement for natural sand in cement concrete. It discusses the challenges and advantages of using mixed plastic waste, highlighting the potential to enhance thermal conductivity and reduce carbon footprint. The study examines the effects of rMPFA on compressive strength, water penetration, and environmental properties, offering a detailed analysis of the results. Notably, it emphasizes the viability of rMPFA in achieving comparable mechanical and durability properties to recycled single-type plastic aggregates, thus promoting a more efficient and practical waste recycling strategy.
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    4. Cement Mortars with Incorporation of Foundry Industry Wastes: Physical, Mechanical and Durability Behavior

      • Open Access
      Sandra Cunha, Raphael Silva, José Aguiar
      The chapter delves into the use of foundry industry wastes, specifically ceramic mold shells and paraffin wax, in cement mortars. It begins by highlighting the global environmental challenges and the need for sustainable construction practices. The study focuses on the physical properties of mortars, such as water absorption by capillarity and immersion, and their relationship with the porosity of the materials. It also examines the mechanical properties, including flexural and compressive strengths, and how the incorporation of waste affects these properties. Additionally, the durability of the mortars is evaluated through freeze-thaw resistance tests, revealing a correlation between compressive strength and mass loss. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the potential of these waste materials in reducing the consumption of raw materials and energy, while maintaining adequate mechanical behavior and durability for construction industry applications.
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    5. Eco-cement Cobblestones with Polyurethane Wastes

      • Open Access
      Raquel Arroyo, Sara González-Moreno, Lourdes Alameda Cuenca-Romero, Verónica Calderón
      The chapter delves into the innovative use of polyurethane waste from the automotive industry to produce eco-cement cobblestones. It highlights the environmental benefits of this approach, such as reducing CO2 emissions and landfill waste. The study includes a detailed experimental design, manufacturing process, and extensive testing of the cobblestones, including mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, and fire performance. Notably, the research demonstrates that these eco-cement cobblestones meet or exceed standard requirements, while also improving environmental performance. The Life Cycle Assessment shows that incorporating waste into cobblestones reduces global warming potential and other environmental impacts, making a strong case for the adoption of these sustainable construction materials.
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    6. Properties of Eco-Cement Blocks Made with Polymer Wastes and Graphene

      • Open Access
      Verónica Calderón, Raquel Arroyo, Cristina Alía, Lucía Garijo, Sara González-Moreno
      The chapter delves into the properties of eco-cement blocks made with polymer wastes and graphene, highlighting the potential benefits of graphene incorporation in mortars. It discusses the impact of graphene on bulk density, water absorption, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity, while also addressing the challenges of dosage, dispersion, and cost. The research involves extensive testing and analysis, providing valuable data on the optimal use of graphene in cement-based materials. The chapter concludes with a call for further research to fully harness the potential of graphene in the construction industry.
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    7. Optimization of Tire Rubber-Concrete Core Materials for Application in New Sandwich-Structured Cementitious Composites

      • Open Access
      Matteo Sambucci, Giulia Gullo, Marco Valente
      The chapter delves into the optimization of tire rubber-concrete core materials for application in new sandwich-structured cementitious composites, addressing the challenge of low mechanical strength performance of rubberized concrete. It explores the potential of recycled tire rubber as an aggregate in concrete to improve shock wave absorption, crack resistance, and thermal insulation, while investigating solutions to enhance the strength behavior of rubberized mixtures. The study employs a multimethodological experimental analysis, including static and dynamic mechanical testing, porosity and water absorption evaluation, acoustic and thermal insulation analysis. The optimal mixture was determined using MINITAB software's design of experiment (DOE) approach, aiming to maximize insulation properties while maintaining suitable mechanical properties. The optimized formulation was then scaled up to the fabrication and first characterization of the rubberized SSC, demonstrating significant improvements in flexural strength over non-optimized rubberized mixtures. The chapter concludes with a discussion of future research directions, including the strengthening of the skins and evaluating the effect of layering time on the physical-mechanical characteristics of the composites.
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    8. Carbon Footprint and CO2 Emissions in the Concrete-Polymer Composites Technology

      • Open Access
      Joanna Julia Sokołowska, Bogumiła Chmielewska
      This chapter delves into the intricacies of carbon footprint and CO2 emissions in the concrete-polymer composites technology. It begins by defining key terms such as carbon footprint and global warming potential (GWP), and discusses the various methods of calculating carbon footprint. The chapter then presents exemplary data on CO2 emissions during the production of different building materials, highlighting the significant contribution of cement production to global CO2 emissions. The focus shifts to the life cycle assessment of concrete-polymer composites, including the production, operation, and post-use phases. The chapter also explores the CO2 emissions of different components used in these composites, such as polymers, aggregates, and cement. Notably, it provides examples of estimated carbon footprints for various concrete-polymer composites, showcasing the impact of different compositions and strengths on CO2 emissions. Additionally, the chapter discusses the potential for CO2 sequestration in concretes and the use of secondary components like recycled polymers and microfillers to reduce the carbon footprint. Throughout, the chapter offers a detailed and engaging exploration of the environmental impact of concrete-polymer composites, making it a valuable resource for professionals interested in sustainable construction practices.
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    9. Methods for Managing the Tacit Knowledge of Employees with Long Scientific Seniority Using the Example of Research Institutions. Preliminary Assumptions

      • Open Access
      Katarzyna H. Tomiczak
      The chapter delves into the critical issue of managing tacit knowledge among employees with long scientific seniority in research institutions, particularly in the construction sector. It begins by defining key terms such as tacit knowledge and long scientific seniority, and outlines the significance of this hidden knowledge in driving organizational success. The author introduces two contrasting mechanisms of tacit knowledge management observed within the Building Research Institute (ITB), highlighting both challenges and successful practices. The study aims to develop a multilevel approach for supporting the diffusion of tacit knowledge, which includes creating a conducive environment, prescribing cooperation techniques, and managing age diversity. The research plan involves extensive data collection through surveys and interviews across multiple scientific institutions in Poland and the European Union. The anticipated conclusions promise to identify key challenges, best practices, and potential benefits of managing tacit knowledge, with implications that extend beyond the construction industry.
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Title
Concrete-Polymer Composites in Circular Economy
Editors
Lech Czarnecki
Andrzej Garbacz
Ru Wang
Mariaenrica Frigione
Jose B. Aguiar
Copyright Year
2025
Electronic ISBN
978-3-031-72955-3
Print ISBN
978-3-031-72954-6
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-72955-3

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