Basic physical and mechanical properties of cement composites after temperature exposure

Abstract

Basic physical and mechanical properties of several cement composites are determined as functions of thermal load and the results are compared with reference materials. Bulk density, matrix density, and open porosity are measured using the water vacuum saturation method. Compressive and bending strengths are determined according to the European standard. High-temperature coefficient of thermal expansion is obtained using a comparative measurement. Experimental results show that composites based on Portland cement do not resist high temperatures well. Their applicability is limited to 400 °C, due to the damage caused by hydrates decomposition. On the other hand, composites based on calcium aluminate cement exhibit a better thermal stability and retain residual strength even after being exposed to 1000 °C.