Chemical Stability of Innovative Grouts for Cast Basalt Elements

Abstract

Newly developed tile grouts are intended mainly for environment with strong chemical loading. For this reason, chemical resistance was one of the key parameters observed. The grout for cast basalt tile was polymer based, in particular with epoxide binder and it utilized solidified hazardous wastes as fillers. It is well-known that epoxide binder has high resistance to solutions of inorganic substances. However, it is easily degraded by organic compounds. This was taken into consideration when assessed aggressive environments and their concentrations were selected. Examined substances were 60% solution of sulfuric acid, vapors of this acid (at concentration 96%) and 10% solution of acetic acid. After exposition to action of these aggressive substances, first of all the visual changes were assessed, i.e. change of color, formation of blisters, cracks, flaking or change of sheen. Then influence on microstructure, changes of bulk density and strengths of materials were observed.

Newly developed tile grouts are intended mainly for environment with strong chemical loading. For this reason, chemical resistance was one of the key parameters observed. The grout for cast basalt tile was polymer based, in particular with epoxide binder and it utilized solidified hazardous wastes as fillers. It is well-known that epoxide binder has high resistance to solutions of inorganic substances. However, it is easily degraded by organic compounds. This was taken into consideration when assessed aggressive environments and their concentrations were selected. Examined substances were 60% solution of sulfuric acid, vapors of this acid (at concentration 96%) and 10% solution of acetic acid. After exposition to action of these aggressive substances, first of all the visual changes were assessed, i.e. change of color, formation of blisters, cracks, flaking or change of sheen. Then influence on microstructure, changes of bulk density and strengths of materials were observed.