Investigation of sulfuric acid attack upon cement mortars containing silicon carbide powder

Abstract

Exposure of concrete to aggressive environments such as sewage drains can cause significant damage to the concrete and decrease its durability. Fillers can be used to improve the resistance of cement concrete against aggressive environment. In this study, silicon carbide was used as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in fractions up to 10% by weight. Specimens were fabricated and exposed to water and sulfuric acid solution. The specimens were examined for various parameters i.e. mass change, compressive strength change, ultrasonic pulse velocity, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that silicon carbide particles play an important role by filling the pores inside the cement composites and densifying the microstructure due to the filler effect. The cement mortars containing silicon carbide showed improved resistance to sulfuric acid attack and this behavior was enhanced with the increase in silicon carbide content.