New Research Funded by NEx Advances Understanding of Polymer Concrete Fire Performance

NEx proudly spotlights a groundbreaking new study that deepens the global understanding of fire-resistant nonmetallic materials.

The peer-reviewed article, Characterizing the Thermal Properties of Polymer Concrete at Elevated Temperatures, was published in Cement and Concrete Composites (Elsevier, 2025) and funded by NEx under project ID RD23.05-04.

Authored by researchers from Michigan State University and Utah State University, the study investigates the high-temperature behavior of polymer concrete (PC) and polymer-modified concrete (PMC). It provides critical insights into thermal conductivity, specific heat, mass loss, and thermal expansion properties essential to advancing fire design and predictive modeling. The data was also used to develop temperature-dependent equations that can be integrated into fire simulation software, enabling more accurate structural performance assessments.

A key conclusion from the research highlights PMC’s superior thermal stability compared to PC at elevated temperatures, positioning it as a more reliable material in fire-related construction applications.

This recognition reaffirms NEx’s leadership in supporting research that drives innovation, safety, and sustainability across the construction industry.