Journal Published Online: 01 July 1976
Volume 4, Issue 4

Sulfur- and Polymer-Impregnated Brick and Block Prisms

CODEN: JTEVAB

Abstract

To enhance significantly both the strength and durability of concrete and other related building materials, the technique of polymer impregnation has received a wide-spread recognition in recent years. The price of oil-based monomers, however, due to shortage of oil, prevents a large-scale use of this technique. The objective of this paper was to demonstrate the applicability of sulfur as an attractive substitute to monomers for impregnation. It was demonstrated that sulfur impregnation of building block and brick units and prisms, carried out at atmospheric pressure using a simple process developed in the laboratory, could give equivalent relative strength increase compared to polymethyl methacrylate-impregnated units and prisms. Sulfur impregnation showed greater than 90% reduction in water absorption and virtually no acid attack. This suggests possible application of treated masonry to sewage pipes and culverts, to acid treatment vessels and pump beds, and to enhance the strength and durability of low-quality masonry.

Author Information

Chen, WF
Fritz Engineering Laboratory, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.
Mehta, HC
Fritz Engineering Laboratory, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.
Slutter, RG
Fritz Engineering Laboratory, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa.
Pages: 10
Price: $25.00
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Details
Stock #: JTE10216J
ISSN: 0090-3973
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10216J