Composites Based on Alternative Raw Materials at High Temperature Conditions

This paper presents newly developed polymer-cement composites.The primary binder (cement) was partially substituted byuse of blast-furnace slag and high-temperature fly ash. A lightweightaggregate – agloporite (grain size in range 1–2 mm) wasused among other components. This porous aggregate is producedfrom energy by-products (fly ash). Attention was focusedon the behavior of the composites when exposed to elevatedtemperatures (400 °C–1,000°C). The influence of several differentmethods of temperature decrease was assessed – slow(in furnace 1°C/min) and rapid (laboratory ambient 22°C andwater bath 18°C). Specific dimensional changes were determined,including strength characteristics and bulk density.Structural deterioration and microstructural changes of selectedspecimens were investigated by analytical techniques (SEM andCT). Compressive and bending tensile strength changed variouslydepending on temperature changes, including severalcooling conditions. Deterioration reactions (especially cracks)which were formed in investigated composite structures correspondedwith results of physico-mechanical testing. That wasconfirmed by using the CT and SEM.The fact that the agloporite has a positive effect on thermalresistance of developed polymer-cement composites wasproved. Almost no cracks or other failures were identified (byusing CT and SEM) in interfacial transition zones of agloporiteafter thermal stress. This indicates very good bond adhesionbetween the matrix and the porous aggregates during extremetemperature conditions (in case of different cooling methods).