Acid resistance
Posted by Jeff on January 31, 2007
What are known additives capable of enhancing acid resistance of concrete?
When dealing with acid there are at least 3 factors to consider. They are 1) type of acid. 2) strength of solution and 3) the temperature of the acid.
For the most part, silica fume is advantageous because it raises the density of the concrete and helps prevent the penetration of the acid . The primary problem is that the acid attacks the Portland cement causing the concrete to break down.. That having been said probably the best method is to prevent the acid from reaching the cement.
Addition of other supplementary cementitious materials like, Fly ash and Slag in the concrete should help to improve the durability of the concrete against acid attack. The water to cement ratio of the concrete should also be low (use a high range water reducing admixture to achieve this).
If possible in your case, you can also either apply a coating of acid resistance epoxy coating, in case of flooring you can also use a self leveling epoxy flooring or epoxy-aggregate mortar screed as a protective layer on the concrete.
Good luck.
