Change of pore structure and uniaxial compressive strength of sandstone under electrochemical coupling

Abstract

The effect of electrochemical modification of the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone from Paleozoic coal measure strata was investigated by means of liquid nitrogen physical adsorption, X-ray diffraction and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) tests using purified water, 1 mol/L NaCl, 1 mol/L CaCl2 and 1 mol/L AlCl3 aqueous solution as electrolytes. Electrochemical corrosion of electrodes and wire leads occurred mainly in the anodic zone. After electrochemical modification, pore morphology showed little change in distribution, decrease in total pore specific surface area and volume, and increased average pore diameter. The total pore specific surface area in the anodic zone was greater than in the cathodic zone, but total pore volume was less. Mineralogical composition was unchanged by the modification. Changes in UCS were caused by a number of factors, including corrosion, weakening by aqueous solutions, and electrochemical cementation, and electrochemical cementation stronger than corrosion and weakening by aqueous solutions.