Recent Developments in Polymer Concrete: Considerations for Materials, Performance, and Sustainability

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Sumit,

  • Karan Babbar,

  1. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Quantum University, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
  2. Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Quantum University, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

In modern infrastructure Growing need of durability and environmental has driven interest in polymer concrete (PC) as an alternative to conventional cement-based materials. This review critically evaluates recent developments in polymer concrete with emphasis on material innovations, performance characteristics, and sustainability aspects. Demonstration of Advanced polymer binders (e.g. epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester resins) shown significant improvements in mechanical strength, adhesion and chemical resistance.

Investigation indicates that use of nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide and nano-silica) densificify microstructurally and increases strength (by about 10–35%). The integration of recycled materials (such as fly ash, slag and plastic waste) has been seen to decrease CO₂ emissions (by about 15–25%). In addition, bio-based binders obtained from renewable sources such as lignin, cellulose and chitosan are emerging as sustainable alternatives that reduce dependence on petrochemical resins while retaining competitive strength and durability.

Despite these advantages, challenges such as high initial cost, thermal sensitivity and lack of standardized mix design protocols limit large-scale adoption. This review identifies critical knowledege gaps (in respect of long-term durability, nano-material dispersion and sustainability quantification) that outlines future research directions for the development of high-performance and environmentally sustainable polymer concrete systems. Beyond laboratory performance, the reviewed studies confirm the value of polymer concrete in structural repair, precast elements, marine structures and industrial flooring. By consolidating evidence reported between 2016 and 2025, this review provides a structured benchmark of present capabilities and a focused agenda for future innovation.

Keywords: Polymer concrete, polymer binders, nano-silica, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide, recycled materials, biopolymers, mechanical properties, durability, sustainable construction.

How to cite this article:
Sumit, Karan Babbar. Recent Developments in Polymer Concrete: Considerations for Materials, Performance, and Sustainability. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Sumit, Karan Babbar. Recent Developments in Polymer Concrete: Considerations for Materials, Performance, and Sustainability. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=246097


References

[1]  S. B. Singh, “Study on mechanical properties of epoxy-based polymer concrete,” International Journal of Civil Engineering Research, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 45–52, 2016.

[2]  B. A. Tayeh, “Performance evaluation of polyester polymer concrete,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 182, pp. 216–224, 2018.

[3]  V. Fiore, “Sustainable bio-based polymers in construction materials,” Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 174, pp. 106–113, 2019.

[4]  T. Gupta, “Durability of polymer concrete in aggressive environments,” Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, vol. 32, no. 5, 2020.

[5]  R. H. Haddad, “Microstructure and durability of polymer-modified concrete,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 271, 2021.

[6]  F. Farooq, “Sustainable binders and eco-friendly concrete materials,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 285, 2021.

[7]  K. Antima and K. Babbar, “Investigation of mechanical properties of hollow bricks incorporating aerated aggregates: a polymer-cement composite approach,” Journal of Polymer & Composites, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 92–105, 2025.

[8]  S. Dabral and K. Babbar, “Study on partial replacement of cement with Pinus fiber and nano silica in M30 concrete paver blocks: a fiber-reinforced polymer-cement composite approach,” Journal of Polymer & Composites, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 63–76, 2025.

[9]  S. H. Chuah, “Nanomaterials in sustainable concrete: a review,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 278, 2021.

[10]  I. Almeshal, “Hybrid polymer systems for enhanced concrete performance,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 45, 2022.

[11]  M. Muthukumar, “Polymer–geopolymer hybrid concrete: thermal and mechanical performance,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 362, 2023.

[12]  R. Siddique, “Effect of nano-silica on mechanical properties and microstructure of concrete,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 116, pp. 1–9, 2016.

[13]  M. S. Konsta-Gdoutos, “Carbon nanotube reinforced cementitious composites: a review,” Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 77, pp. 73–82, 2017.

[14]  S. Lv, “Graphene oxide–modified cement composites: mechanical and microstructural properties,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 165, pp. 902–910, 2018.

[15]  K. S. Rebeiz, “Polymer concrete using unsaturated polyester resin and waste PET,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 116, pp. 76–84, 2016.

[16]  T. Gupta, “Fly ash and slag as supplementary cementitious materials in polymer concrete,” Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 226, pp. 115–124, 2019.

[17]  N. Singh, “Mechanical performance of polymer concrete with recycled coarse aggregates,” Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 26, pp. 2784–2789, 2020.

[18]  R. Kumar, “Circular economy applications of waste materials in polymer concrete,” Resources, Conservation and Recycling, vol. 179, 2022.

[19]  M. K. Alavijeh, “Chitosan-based modifications for improved fracture resistance of biopolymer concrete,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 320, 2022.

[20]  J. Zhang, “Bio-based binders in polymer concrete: long-term structural stability,” Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 136, 2023.

Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
03
Received 17/04/2026
Accepted 02/06/2026
Published 05/06/2026
Publication Time 49 Days
1

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics