Assessment of the chemical resistance of concrete with an additive based on granite dust and acrylic latex

Abstract

The object of the study is the chemical resistance of concrete modified with granite dust and acrylic latex. The materials used in the study were concrete samples with a variable composition of additive components, which were subsequently exposed to an aggressive environment. The problem, which the research is aimed at solving, is the tendency of concrete structures to fail under prolonged exposure to acidic conditions, which significantly reduces their service life. This research aims to address this issue by incorporating modifying additives that improve concrete’s resistance to chemical attack. The experimental program involved testing concrete specimens with different concentrations of granite dust (1–4 % by cement mass) and acrylic latex (0.1–0.4 % by water mass) in a 10 % sulfuric acid solution for up to 360 days. Strength loss was assessed at regular intervals, and chemical resistance coefficients were calculated to evaluate durability. Additionally, longterm degradation predictions were made using logarithmic models. The results show that the optimal composition – 4 % granite dust and 0.4 % acrylic latex –significantly improves chemical resistance, with specimens retaining up to 49 % of their initial strength after 100 years of exposure. The enhancement is attributed to the densification effect of granite dust, which reduces permeability, and the hydrophobizing properties of acrylic latex, which minimize acid penetration. Compared to unmodified concrete, the proposed composition demonstrates lower strength loss and higher durability under aggressive conditions. The proposed modified composition offers a reliable solution for extending the service life of reinforced concrete structures exposed to chemical degradation