Increasing the durability of fibrous cement compositions by impregnating the porous space of fiber concrete

Abstract

Fiberglass reinforcement is the most effective method of increasing the strength of concretes because fiberglass has high mechanical strength and high modulus of elasticity. The low corrosion resistance of fibers to the alkaline environment of concrete plays the role of the limiting factor to the widespread use of fiberglass reinforcement. As the process of corrosion of fiberglass largely depends on the porosity of the composition, the authors have conducted a study of the impregnation of the porous space of the fiberglass by specifically developed compound of the following composition: The liquid component-liquid glass; the neutral filler-nanodispersed silica Kovelos-05; the hardener of liquid-sodium silicofluoride. As a result of the chemical reaction between the liquid glass and the cement clinker components, colloidal calcium hydrosilicate and sodium aluminate are formed. The set of properties of liquid sodium glass enables it to accelerate the setting of concrete at the appearance of sodium aluminate and to reduce the permeability of the porous space, due to the formation of calcium hydrosilicates. These facts led to the use of liquid glass as a compound for impregnation of fiber concrete.