Protection against corrosion of reinforcing steel and concrete using polymer–sulfur composites

This paper presents the results of experimental research and analyses indicating the usefulness of special polymer–sulfur composites for the protection of concrete against corrosion. After analysis of the initial results, the optimum compositions were chosen for experimental research. The experimental programme comprised of adhesion of the composite to the standard mortar and concrete, and the loss of the composite or ordinary concrete in acid, alkaline and salt solutions and in water. The corrosivity of different industry environments are varied and certain environments have a more significant impact. Soils with a certain composition, structure and corrosivity, chemical relationships and chemical substances, and particularly the industrial fertiliser- and pesticide-manufacturing environment, are among those with the most significant effect. As far as construction with reinforced concrete is concerned, the corrosivity of an industrial building environment is typically much higher than that of a rural environment, and it may be compared to that of a chemical industry environment. It is affected by humidity and concentration of compounds dissolved in the condensate that increase electrical conductivity and react chemically after they have dissolved in it.