Using microsilica to increase concrete's resistance to aggressive chemicals

Abstract

Microsilica, also called silica fume or condensed silica fume, is a material added to concrete to reduce the rate of deterioration of concrete by chemical attack. This article presents the results of a 2-year study of the increase in chemical resistance provided by adding microsilica to concrete. Since acidic solutions and sulfate solutions account for the major portion of the chemical degradation of concrete currently in use, chemical environments of these types were chosen for study. The experimental evidence shows that adding microsilica can increase the resistance of quality concrete to chemical attack by several aggressive chemical environments. The results of the study are presented and discussed.