Iranian Journal of Science and Technology - Transactions of Civil Engineering, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
This study investigated the effect of sulphate and acid on polymer concrete. The aim of the study is to reduce the unit weight of polymer concrete, increase its ductility, provide sufficient strength and resistance to sulphate and acid attack. Perlite was used to reduce the unit weight. Orthophthalic polyester resin is used as a binder. Glass fiber reinforcement was used to increase ductility. In the study, 4 × 4 × 16 cm prismatic specimens were taken from the mixes prepared according to the fiber ratios. Some of the specimens obtained were stored in the open air under laboratory conditions and some of them were stored in 5% and 10% concentrated sulphuric acid solution for 28 and 90 days. The remaining specimens were kept in 5% and 10% magnesium sulphate solution for 28 and 90 days. Unit weight, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption, compressive strength and flexural strength tests were carried out on the specimens. In addition, SEM and EDS microstructure analyses were carried out on samples taken from the surfaces of the specimens. As a result of the experiments, very light polymer concretes were obtained with a unit weight of less than 1 kg/dm3; it was observed that their strength was close to that of ordinary concretes and higher than that of light concretes. Lightweight polymer concretes were also found to absorb very little water. Sulphate attack is at least as effective as acid attack, but it is found to be less affected by dense chemical environment compared to conventional concrete. As a result of the microstructural analysis, the surface degradation caused by sulphate and acid attack was determined.