Concrete Mix and Polymer Basics:
Polymer-Modified Cement

The use of polymer-modified cement products in the decorative concrete industry is common practice. Unfortunately, these products are also commonly misunderstood. What they are, how they work, what they do — "There are a lot of misconceptions about polymers," observes Stan Stratton, director of technology development at L.M. Scofield's West Coast production location in Los Angeles.

And as Ronald Borum, executive vice president of Crossfield Products in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., points out, "You have to buy the right tool for the right job."

What are polymers?
You don't have to be a chemist to understand the basics. "Polymer" is a very generic term that refers to a chain of simple monomer molecules. If the monomers in the chain are the same it is a homopolymer. If the monomers are different you have a copolymer. When polymer particles are dispersed in water you have what is generally called a latex.

Natural rubber latex is an organic polymer. D. Gerry Walters, a 46-year veteran in the industry and now a consultant based in Pine Knoll Shores, N.C., explains that synthetic polymers didn't start to appear until the early 20th century. While there are all kinds of latexes commercially available today, most of them are not appropriate for use with hydraulic cements.