Radiation induced strength enhancement of sulfur polymer concrete composites based on waste and residue fillers

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 271; p. 122563
• Main Authors: Szajerski, Piotr, Celinska, Joanna, Gasiorowski, Andrzej, Anyszka, Rafal, Walendziak, Radoslaw, Lewandowski, Michal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 20.10.2020
• Subjects: Compressive strength; Fly ash; Phosphogypsum; Radiation modification; Slag; Sulfur polymer concrete composites; Slag; Fly ash; Radiation modification; Compressive strength; Phosphogypsum; Sulfur polymer concrete composites
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122563

The behavior and properties of sulfur polymer concrete composites (SPC) based on mineral fillers (industrial waste and residues) were investigated towards potential application under high radiation exposure conditions. The composites were irradiated in a dose range up to 1.5 MGy using Co-60 gamma source. The test specimens were subjected to compressive tests, SEM analysis, capillary water absorption tests, XRD, FTIR and DSC analysis. The obtained results indicate for a high radiation resistance of investigated materials. The irradiated samples exhibit up to 35% higher compressive strength in comparison with the native samples with retaining other parameters unchanged. According to the XRD, FTIR and DSC analyzes, the proposed mechanism laying behind enhancement of mechanical properties of SPC is the sulfur polymer binder amorphization with a possible simultaneous radiation induced polymerization and/or crosslinking. The SPC materials can be considered as promising alternative for hydraulic cement concrete composites, especially in radiation and nuclear technology sectors. •New compositions of sulfur polymer concrete (SPC) based on waste materials.•Enhancement of compressive strength of SPC due to irradiation.•Analysis of sulfur binder composition on properties of composites.•Sulfur polymer binder amorphization and crosslinking upon irradiation.•High radiation stability of waste materials filled sulfur polymer concrete.